October 31, 2025

6 things you might want to know about the 'ukulele

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Did you know the ukulele wasn’t always called that? Explore the fascinating history of the ukulele’s name, its origins, and how it became the instrument we know and love today.

The Ukulele’s Fascinating History

If you’ve ever picked up a ukulele and felt like you were instantly transported to a beach in Hawaii, you’re not alone. The ukulele is a tiny instrument with a big personality, but did you know that it didn’t always go by that name? In fact, the ukulele’s origins are steeped in Portuguese craftsmanship and a whole lot of Hawaiian charm.

In this article, we’ll dive into the origin of the ukulele’s name, its early history, and a few fun anecdotes along the way. Spoiler: we’ll even talk about fleas!

The Ukulele’s Roots: From Portugal to Hawaii

Before it was strummed to Hawaiian folk tunes, the ukulele was more of a traveling companion for Portuguese immigrants. So, what was it originally called? Well, let’s roll back the clock.

The Portuguese Influence: The Braguinha and Machete

The ukulele didn’t just appear out of nowhere like an instrument version of magic (though that would be cool). It evolved from Portuguese instruments such as:

The Braguinha – A four-stringed, small, guitar-like instrument from Madeira, Portugal.
The Machete – Not the one you use for chopping down jungle vines, but a small, four-stringed instrument that was quite popular among Portuguese immigrants.

When these Portuguese musicians hit the shores of Hawaii in the late 1800s, they brought their instruments with them. And thus, the story of the ukulele began.

The Original Ukulele Name: The Machete

Let’s face it, if you were a Portuguese immigrant heading to Hawaii, you'd probably want to rebrand your musical instrument, too. “Machete” wasn’t quite the warmest name, especially for a peaceful, joyful instrument.

The machete was originally the name of the four-stringed instrument, which was brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants. It was later adopted into the Hawaiian musical scene, but the name didn’t stick for long. You know what they say—no one wants to strum a “machete” while sipping piña coladas by the ocean.

The Ukulele's Name: "Jumping Flea" or “Gift from the King”?

Now, here’s where the magic happens! The Hawaiians, in their typical joyful style, gave the instrument a new name: ukulele. The name “ukulele” is believed to come from the Hawaiian words for “jumping flea”. And why jumping flea? Because if you’ve ever seen someone play the ukulele with rapid finger movements, you’d swear they were flea-like—bouncing around like they’d had one too many cups of Hawaiian coffee.

1. The "Jumping Flea" Theory

It’s thought that the name “ukulele” came from the frenetic finger action of the players. When Hawaiian Queen Lili'uokalani first saw someone play, she supposedly called the instrument the “jumping flea” due to the rapid, bouncy motion of the player’s fingers.

Proverb Alert:
“A flea’s dance is a ukulele player’s rhythm!” 🎶

It's possible that the jumping flea metaphor perfectly captures the joy and energy that the ukulele radiates, much like the energy of a flea on a hot day. (Okay, maybe not that energetic…)

2. The “Gift from the King” Theory

Then there’s the theory that King David Kalākaua, who was a huge fan of the ukulele, might have named it as a gift to the people of Hawaii. After all, he did encourage the development of Hawaiian music, so it wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine him dubbing the instrument a “gift from the king”.

But who needs a royal name when you’ve got the name of a jumping flea on your side? 🤷♂️

How the Ukulele Got Its Name: A Royal Transformation

Hawaiians, being the clever people they are, took to calling the instrument ukulele by the early 20th century. And just like that, the ukulele was born—transformed from a little Portuguese machete into a Hawaiian cultural icon.

What’s fun is how quickly the name caught on. By the time the early 1900s rolled around, if you said "machete" in Hawaii, someone might think you were referring to a jungle tool, not a musical instrument. (Awkward.)

Materials Used in the First Ukuleles: Not Your Average Stuff

Speaking of history, let’s talk about the materials that made the first ukuleles. If you thought the early ukuleles were made of plastic or synthetic materials, think again. These bad boys were crafted from local Hawaiian woods, with a little bit of Portuguese flair.

The Wood: Koa and Other Native Timbers

The very first ukuleles were made from Koa wood, a type of native Hawaiian wood that is known for its beautiful grain and rich, warm sound. In fact, Koa wood is still a prized material for ukuleles today, and many of the best ukes are made from it.

And if Koa wasn’t available? Well, the early makers were creative! They used other woods like mahogany, which was easily available. The goal was to create a small instrument that could produce loud, clear sounds while being compact enough for the players to carry around easily.

How the Ukulele Influenced the World

Fast forward to the early 1900s, and suddenly, the ukulele is showing up all over the world, influencing music in ways no one expected. From vaudeville performances to early jazz, this little instrument made its mark everywhere.

Hollywood's Ukulele Moment

One of the key turning points in the ukulele’s rise to fame was its Hollywood debut. In the 1920s and 1930s, Hawaiian-themed films brought the ukulele to mainstream attention, forever associating the instrument with the carefree, beachy vibes we know today.

The ukulele wasn’t just an instrument anymore—it was a symbol of joy and escape, making it the ultimate travel companion for many.

The Ukulele Today: The Flea That Won’t Stop Jumping

So, what do people think of the ukulele today? Well, if you haven’t heard, the ukulele is the world’s most beloved small string instrument—loved for its accessibility, its cheerful tone, and its ability to bring people together.

Ukulele Humor: "The Flea That Won't Stop Jumping"

Ever met a ukulele player who never puts the instrument down? It’s like a jumping flea—they’re always picking it up! 🎸 Here’s a funny thought: maybe the real reason the ukulele is called the “jumping flea” is because it never stays still. You’ll always find it in the hands of someone trying to spread a little happiness.

Conclusion: The Ukulele's Name and Its Legacy

So, to answer the question: what was the ukulele originally called? The ukulele was once known as the machete, but once the Hawaiians got their hands on it, they rebranded it with a name full of life and energy—ukulele, or the “jumping flea.”

As it hopped from Portugal to Hawaii and eventually around the world, the ukulele turned into something much more than just an instrument; it became a symbol of joy, culture, and a fleeting moment of happiness.

FAQs About the Ukulele’s Name and History

Q: What was the ukulele originally called?
A: It was originally known as the machete when brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants.

Q: Why is the ukulele called "jumping flea"?
A: The name comes from the rapid movement of the player’s fingers on the strings, which resembled the way fleas jump.

Q: Was the ukulele always associated with Hawaii?
A: While it originated in Portugal, the ukulele quickly became a symbol of Hawaiian music and culture once it was introduced to the islands.