Ukulele History : Google Doodle Celebrating the Ukulele
The ukulele’s history begins in the late 19th century with Portuguese immigrants introducing small guitar-like instruments, like the braguinha, to Hawaii. These instruments, along with local Hawaiian innovations, evolved into the ukulele we know today. The ukulele gained popularity in Hawaii and eventually spread to the United States and beyond.
Ukulele History
In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this Doodle features an iconic Hawaiian instrument, the ukulele!
Jeff Lynne and George Harrison play ukulele banjos. pic.twitter.com/MIWWdxww63
— 🎸 Rock History 🎸 (@historyrock_) March 1, 2025
This Doodle celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! This year’s Doodle celebrates the `ukulele and the vibrant culture of Hawai`i. The Doodle artwork incorporates symbols representing Hawai`i’s multicultural heritage, including a palaka pattern, a `ulu (breadfruit) leaf, a puakenikeni flower, and a lei.
How the Ukulele Got Its Name:
While the exact origin of the name, according to wikipedia ukulele is debated, one common story involves Joao Fernandez, a Portuguese immigrant, playing his braguinha in Honolulu. Hawaiians were impressed by his fingerboarding technique, which they found “jumping” and lively, and thus named the instrument “ukulele,” meaning “jumping flea”.
Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr in 1994 playing a ukulele version of “Ain’t She Sweet”, 1994.#TheBeatles pic.twitter.com/WbhZIFrLwu
— 🎸 Rock History 🎸 (@historyrock_) February 5, 2024
The ukulele ([ˈʔukuˈlɛlɛ] ooh-koo-LEH-LEH; from Hawaiian: ʻukulele [ˈʔukuˈlɛlɛ]), also called a uke, is a member of the lute family of instruments. The ukulele is of Portuguese origin and was popularized in Hawaii. The tone and volume of the instrument vary with size and construction. Ukuleles commonly come in four sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone.
🧵Ukulele ❤️… Kamaka Hawaiʻi ❤️
The Hawaiian instrument most widely known is the ukulele, a small guitar. The ukulele was probably introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in 1879 by a group of Portuguese settlers from Madeira, who brought with them a small guitar called a braguinha. pic.twitter.com/dZogm3zl97— harold Hawaiki (@harold_hawaiki) April 25, 2025
Ukuleles generally have four nylon strings tuned to GCEA. They have 16–22 frets depending on the size.
The ukulele has a rich history and tradition. While this instrument first appeared in Hawaii in the eighteenth century, its roots are found in Portugal. However, it is not known as to who actually invented the uke. Despite this, the story of how this instrument rose to popularity is an exciting one.