Surname Kalama - Meaning and Origin

Kalama: What does the surname Kalama mean?

The last name Kalama is of Hawaiian origin, although it can be found in other countries as a first or last name due to migration. In the Hawaiian language, 'Kalama' means 'flaming torch' or 'the light'. It depicts a source of enlightenment and guide in darkness symbolically. It is also associated with the spirit of adventurism and courage, reflecting the image of a torchbearer leading the way forward. The name also has connotations of wisdom, knowledge, and radiance. However, meanings can differ slightly depending on cultural and regional interpretations. So, like many surnames, the precise connotation may vary. Please note that meanings of names can change based on the context, culture, and language.

Kalama: Where does the name Kalama come from?

The surname Kalama is of Hawaiian origin, often associated with native Polynesian people. The name supposedly derived from the word "Kalamā" which translates to "flaming torch" or "blazing light" in Hawaiian. It is relatively common in the Pacific Islander community, particularly in the Hawaiian Islands of the United States. However, due to the emigration of native Hawaiian people, it can also be found in several other regions that Hawaiians migrated to, particularly across the United States and Canada. There are also people carrying this surname in countries influenced by Polynesian culture or migration like New Zealand and Australia. The overall distribution though is relatively sparse, remaining most concentrated in its region of origin, Hawaii. It's also worth noting that "Kalama" is both a first name and a last name in Hawaiian culture, a tradition known as using "unisex names". Famous people with this surname include Jean Kalama, Hawaiian royalty and John Kalama, a Native Hawaiian settler.

Variations of the surname Kalama

The surname Kalama has a Hawaiian origin and might have variations based on regional pronunciations and spellings even though not many variants or alternate spellings have been recorded historically due to the highly phonetic nature of the Hawaiian language.

Alternate surnames of the same origin might include other common Hawaiian surnames such as Kekoa, Mahelona, Kamaka, and Kama. Variants or alternate versions of Kalama could potentially arise from the incorporation of additional Hawaiian names or words, lending to blended or hyphenated versions like Kalama-Kai or Mahelona-Kalama.

Surnames that originate from the same region or language can have similar components or sounds, like 'Kala' as seen in Kalani, Kala'i, and Kaliko. Still, it's important to note that these are not necessarily variants or alternate spellings of Kalama. So ideally, the surname 'Kalama' would typically remain as 'Kalama' due to the specific nature of the Hawaiian language and naming customs.

Famous people with the name Kalama

• Kalama Fernandes: Actor, Musician, Writer
• Bruno Kalama: Professional basketball player
• Tua Kalama: Professional football player
• David Kalama: Musician, Singer-songwriter
• Harry Kalama Jr.: Commissioner of the Hawaiian Department of Taxation
• Kim Kalama: Actress, Model
• Mahealani Kalama: Politician
• Kawika Kalama: Musician, Producer
• CJ Kalama: Chef, philanthropist
• Andrew Kalama: Actor, Director, Screenwriter

Other surnames

Kalamar