Sophomore Keanuenuemaikalan Ortega-Misaengsay, nicknamed Neela, has one of the longest names at Liberty with a total of 17 characters for her first name and 17 for characters for her last name. However, in Hawaiian culture, where her name originates, Keanuenuemaikalan doesn’t break any records.

“I would say my name is on the shorter side in Hawaii. Often, people’s first names are more than 20 characters,” Ortega-Misaengsay said.

With space for up to 40 characters for the first name and 40 for the last on Hawaiian ID’s there is ample space for names like Keanuenuemaikalan.

Hawaiian names often are based on a message. Keanuenuemaikalan means “rainbow sent from heaven”. Her little brother’s name, Liam Ho’oponoamekoa, means hope and courage. 

“My name helps me connect back to my culture as it ties me to my loved ones and others within Hawaiian culture,” Ortega-Misaengsay said.

These names carry importance, not just culturally but personally as well, bringing shape to who their carrier will become.

“Names reflect peoples’ personalities in Hawaiian culture. Once you’re given your name, you carry it out,” Ortega-Misaengsay said.

Following her name, Neela works to bring joy and happiness into the lives of those around her, making their day better even during difficult times, just like a rainbow.