Kanaloa

Kanaloa, usually depicted as a squid or octopus, is the name of an Ancient Hawaiian god, associated with the sea and navigation. One of the four major Polynesian gods, Kanaloa would help to guide seafarers across the ocean and provide relief from illness and injury. Other legends, however, suggest he was a spirit, who was thrown in the Underworld for leading a rebellion against the gods.

Used very occasionally as a given name, Kanaloa can mean "security, firmness" and " unconquerable" but is also the name of a small fish and the alternative name for the Kahoʻolawe Island. In 2024, 19 boys received the name, which is the highest recorded number since the stats began.

Pronounced kah-nah-LOH-uh.

As of October 2026, Kanaloa ranked #6275 for boys in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #5139 for boys in 2024.