The Ukulele

Lore & Background

Developed in the 1880s, the ukulele is based on small Portuguese instruments—the machete, cavaquinho, and rajão—brought to Hawaii by immigrants from Madeira, the Azores, and Cape Verde. Three Madeiran cabinet makers, Manuel Nunes, José do Espírito Santo, and Augusto Dias, are generally credited as the first ukulele makers. King Kalākaua, a patron of the arts, ardently supported and promoted the instrument, incorporating it into royal gatherings. In the Hawaiian language, 'ukulele' roughly translates as 'jumping flea,' possibly from the movement of a player's fingers.

Legend attributes the term to Englishman Edward William Purvis, one of King Kalākaua's officers, noted for his small size, fidgety manner, and playing expertise. The ukulele spread globally through various channels. In Canada, educator J. Chalmers Doane used it in the 1960s as an inexpensive teaching instrument, reaching 50,000 schoolchildren and adults.

Common Misconceptions (Editorial)

Some people believe the ukulele originated in Hawaii, but it is actually of Portuguese origin, specifically from Madeira, the Azores, and Cape Verde. Another common misconception is that the name "ukulele" has a straightforward Hawaiian meaning like "happy instrument"; in fact, it roughly translates as "jumping flea," possibly referring to the movement of a player’s fingers or a fidgety English officer named Edward William Purvis.

Why It Matters (Editorial)

The ukulele endures as a symbol of joyful, democratic music-making—a small instrument with outsized cultural reach, from Hawaiian royal courts to Canadian classrooms. Its accessibility, thanks to efforts like J. Chalmers Doane’s school programs, proves that powerful musical expression doesn’t require complexity or expense, making it a lasting gateway for millions.

Reader's Guide

The ukulele is a member of the lute family, related to the guitar, and was developed in the 1880s from small, guitar-like Portuguese instruments. It was popularized in Hawaii after being introduced by Portuguese immigrants from Madeira, the Azores, and Cape Verde. The instrument was ardently supported by King Kalākaua, who incorporated it into royal gatherings, helping to establish it in Hawaiian music and culture. The name "ukulele" roughly translates to "jumping flea" in Hawaiian, possibly referring to a player’s finger movements or the nickname of an English officer.

Ukuleles commonly have four sizes—soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone—with tone and volume varying by size and construction. They generally have four nylon strings tuned to GCEA, except the baritone, which is tuned DGBE, and feature 16 to 22 frets. The instrument gained popularity on the U.S. mainland after a Hawaiian ensemble performed at the 1915 Panama–Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, launching a fad for Hawaiian-themed songs. It became an icon of the Jazz Age, was featured in vaudeville and early sound films, and was mass-produced by mainland manufacturers such as Martin and Harmony.

The ukulele also found a role in early country music and was played by figures like Jimmie Rodgers. In the 1960s, educator J. Chalmers Doane used it as an inexpensive teaching tool in Canadian schools, and a revised program remains a staple of music education there. The instrument reached Japan in 1929, where it was kept alive secretly during World War II and later re-emerged in popularity. Notable players include George Formby, Tessie O'Shea, and members of the Beatles.