Kina
The Meaning & Origin of the Name Kina
Kina, which has 4 letters and 2 syllables, is a female name of Hawaiian origin.
Meaning of Kina
China
Kina is a unisex name of Hawaiian origin that means "bright, shining, glittering". It can also be an Anglicised form of the Irish name Cíana, meaning "ancient" or "ancient one".
| Meaning | China |
| Origin | Hawaiian |
| Gender | Girl |
| Rarity (US) | Rare (Not in top 1000) |
Background & History of The Name Kina
The name 'Kina' has various meanings and origins across different cultures. In Japanese, the name 'Kina' (喜名) is a feminine given name and means "joyful" or "rejoice." It is also a traditional currency used in Papua New Guinea. In Punjabi, the name 'Kina' is used as a surname and means "from the edge" or "border." Additionally, in Māori, an indigenous language of New Zealand, 'Kina' refers to a type of sea urchin that is commonly found in the coastal waters of the country.
In Japan, where the name 'Kina' is predominantly used as a given name, it is often given to girls as a representation of happiness, cheerfulness, and positivity. The pronunciation of 'Kina' may vary slightly depending on the region, but it typically follows a three-syllable pattern: "kee-nah."
In the context of Papua New Guinea, the term 'kina' refers to the official currency of the country. The kina is divided into 100 toea and is symbolized by "K" or "PGK." Introduced in 1975, the kina replaced the Australian dollar and became the sole legal currency in Papua New Guinea.
The Punjabi meaning of 'Kina' as a surname signifies its connection to geographic location. It suggests that individuals with the surname 'Kina' may have ancestral ties to border regions or areas situated at the edge of a territory.
Lastly, in the Māori language, 'Kina' denotes a specific species of sea urchin found in coastal waters surrounding New Zealand. Kina, scientifically known as Evechinus chloroticus, is highly valued in Māori cuisine and is often used in traditional dishes such as raw seafood salads or cooked as a delicacy.
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