Etymology
Lehua is a Hawaiian name meaning "ʻōhiʻa flower." The ʻōhiʻa tree (Metrosideros polymorpha) is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and is revered in Hawaiian culture for its vibrant red blossoms, which are considered sacred to the volcano goddess Pele. The name Lehua is poetically linked to themes of nature, beauty, and Hawaiian identity.
Cultural Significance
In Hawaiian mythology, Lehua is the name of the sister of Nānāhuki (a goddess of hula), and also of a woman who was turned into a lehua tree by the gods. The lehua blossom is often given as a lei, symbolizing love and respect. The name's connection to the ʻōhiʻa flower places it within a rich botanical tradition in Hawaiian naming.
Geographical Connection
Lehua is also the name of a small, crescent-shaped island in the Hawaiian chain, located north of Niʻihau. The uninhabited Lehua Island is a Hawaii State Wildlife Sanctuary, home to 16 species of seabirds. It is a popular but restricted destination for snorkeling and diving. The English navigator James Cook first saw the island in 1787 and recorded it as "Oreehoua."
The name Lehua has gained some attention beyond Hawaii, though it remains primarily within Hawaiian communities.
- Meaning: "ʻōhiʻa flower" (Hawaiian)
- Origin: Hawaiian language
- Usage: Hawaiian female name
- Type: First name, also a place name
Sources: Wikipedia — Lehua