Kimo
/ˈki.mo/
The English name James can be translated into Hawaiian as Kimo. Wiktionary also lists Iakopo.
Meaning: male given name (the standard form) (name)
Ways to say it
| Hawaiian | IPA |
|---|---|
| Kimo | /ˈki.mo/ |
| Iakopo | /i.aˈko.po/ |
The phrase is used as a male given name.
Which one should you use?
Kimo is the most common Hawaiian transliteration of the name James. In contrast, Iakopo is the Hawaiian form for Jacob, though it is sometimes used as a formal or biblical equivalent in certain contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈki.mo/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The name Kimo is borrowed from the English 'Jim', which is itself a diminutive, meaning the Hawaiian 'standard' name is based on an English nickname.
- The name Iakopo retains a phonetic link to the ancient Hebrew 'Ya'akov', bypassing the English 'James' entirely.
- A person named James in Hawaii might have Kimo on their birth certificate but Iakopo on a baptismal record, reflecting a split between secular and religious naming traditions.
Examples in context
- Aloha, Kimo!Hello, James!
- He Kimo.He is James.
- ʻO Kimo ka hoa.James is the friend.
- Ua ʻike ʻia ʻo Kimo.James was seen.
Example conversation
Leilani introduces her brother to Keanu.
- Leilaniʱo Kimo kʱia kaikaina.This is my brother Kimo.
- KeanuAloha, Kimo!Hello, Kimo!
- LeilaniHe hoa hana ʱo Kimo.Kimo is a coworker.
- KeanuHauʱoli au e hālāwai me Kimo.I am happy to meet Kimo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “james” translations and entries Kimo, Iakopo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Iakopo, Kimo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
