Kele
Meaningsparrow hawk · Hopi
Kele is a Native American boy name meaning “sparrow hawk”, with Hopi roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds soft and friendly, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length.
Did you know?
- GenerationKele peaked in 1982, which makes it a Millennial name. The typical Kele you'd meet today is about 43 years old.
- HistoryKele first shows up in US birth records in 1966, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 59 years since.
US births per million boys, 1982–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Kele
Kele is a boy name of Native American origin meaning “sparrow hawk”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the open vowel at the end makes it sound soft and warm. It hit its peak in the 1980s, so it feels familiar without being trendy. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Native American names
Other spellings of Kele
More Native American boy names
- Unisex name: Kai · sea
- Unisex name: Dakota · friend, ally
- Boy name: Mikah · who is like God
- Boy name: Shayan · worthy
- Unisex name: Sora · sky
- Unisex name: Takoda · friend to everyone
- Unisex name: Mika · often beautiful fragrance
- Unisex name: Lakota · allies, friends
Questions about the name Kele
What does the name Kele mean?
Kele means “sparrow hawk” and comes from Hopi. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Sparrow (“sparrow”).
What is the origin of the name Kele?
Kele is Native American in origin, and its meaning traces back to Hopi. Other Native American names to consider are Kai (“sea”), Dakota (“friend, ally”), Mikah (“who is like God”) and Shayan (“worthy”).
Is Kele a boy or girl name?
Kele is a boy name.
How popular is the name Kele?
Kele is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2001. It peaked at #5,619 in 1982, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Kele?
If you like Kele, you might also like Keele, Keelee, Kelle, Kellee and Sparrow. Keele is another spelling of the same name.
What should I know before naming my baby Kele?
Kele is a Native American boy name meaning “sparrow hawk”, with Hopi roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds soft and friendly, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.