Hawaiian Names

  1. Auli'i
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian, 'dainty, cute, neat'
    • Description:

      Hawaiian teen prodigy Auli'i Cravalho burst onto the scene as the star of Disney's animated "Moana" in 2016, bringing this distinctive name to the forefront. The glottal stop, or "okina," between the two I's makes it a somewhat tough sell off the islands, though Cravalho's stunning performance of "How Far I'll Go" at the 2017 Oscars is almost winning enough to overcome that.
  2. Namaka
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "eyes"
    • Description:

      For a baby with beautiful eyes.
  3. Pele
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian goddess of fire
    • Description:

      Pele is a female name in Hawaiian culture that could make a provocative choice for a modern girls. Others might think you named your daughter after the all-time great soccer player, but the simple, rare, and lovely name Pele has mythological roots.
  4. Kanani
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "the beauty, glory"
    • Description:

      Popular choice among Millennial and Gen Z girls in Hawaii, following along the tails of Kalani.
  5. Ikaia
    • Description:

      Ikaia is a masculine name with Polynesian origins, particularly connected to Hawaiian naming traditions. In Hawaiian contexts, it may relate to 'kai' meaning 'sea' or 'ocean,' suggesting connections to water, vastness, and the natural world. The name carries the rhythmic, open-vowel quality characteristic of Polynesian names. Ikaia remains relatively uncommon globally but has seen some increased usage as interest in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander names has grown in recent decades. Parents might choose this name seeking a connection to Polynesian culture or to express appreciation for its natural associations and melodic sound. The name projects a sense of strength and natural harmony while offering distinctiveness in most naming environments outside the Pacific Islands.
  6. Keke
    • Origin:

      English variation of Kiki, Finnish diminutive of Gertrud, or Hawaiian variation of Kate
    • Meaning:

      "double happiness; strength of a spear; pure"
    • Description:

      Keke is a multicultural double-punch nickname, notably borne by actress Keke Palmer. Palmer was born Lauren Keyana, yet her nickname does not derive from her middle name — her older sister had an imaginary friend named Keke.
  7. Makena'lei
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "flower of heaven"
    • Description:

      Helen Hunt chose this lovely name for her daughter.
  8. Makani
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "wind"
    • Description:

      As Makenna, Makenzie, and Makayla lose their spark, Hawaiian Makani feels fresh as ever.
  9. Makana
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "gift"
    • Description:

      A nice meaning -- congruent with the recent vogue for names like Blessing -- helps offset this Hawaiian name's proximity to overused Makayla and McKenzie.
  10. Keali’i
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "the chief, nobleman"
    • Description:

      This lovely Hawaiian name can also be spelled Keli'i.
  11. Emalia
    • Description:

      Emalia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Amalia, which derives from Germanic roots meaning 'work' or 'labor,' suggesting industriousness and diligence. Alternatively, it could be related to Emily (from the Latin 'aemulus' meaning 'rival' or 'eager') or even be a distinctive spelling of Amelia (a Germanic name meaning 'work'). In Hawaiian contexts, Emalia is sometimes used as a Hawaiian form of Emily or Amelia. The name has a flowing, melodic quality with its balanced syllables and soft consonants. While not among the most common names in Western countries, Emalia offers parents a beautiful alternative to more popular 'Em-' names, combining familiarity with uniqueness. Its international versatility and pleasant sound have contributed to its modest but steady usage in recent decades.

  12. Kukana
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian variant of Susannah
    • Description:

      When King Kamehamaha IV of Hawaii mandated that residents of the island nation take on Western-style names in 1860, they adapted many traditional English first names to the unique Hawaiian orthography; this is the local version of Susannah.
  13. Ulesi
    • Description:

      Ulesi is a masculine name with African origins, primarily found in certain East African cultures. Though relatively uncommon in global usage, the name carries distinctive cultural significance in its regions of origin. The name has a melodic quality with its balanced syllables and flowing sound. While specific meaning details vary according to precise cultural context, Ulesi generally conveys positive attributes in the communities where it is used. The name remains relatively rare in Western countries, maintaining its cultural distinctiveness. For parents seeking a name with authentic African heritage that is both pronounceable in English and uncommon, Ulesi offers an appealing option that honors African cultural traditions while having a contemporary sound.

  14. Oliwa
    • Description:

      Oliwa is a feminine name with Polish origins, derived from the Latin word "oliva" meaning "olive tree." In Polish culture, the name has connections to both nature and peace, as olive branches traditionally symbolize peace and harmony. Oliwa is also the name of a historic district in Gdańsk, Poland, known for its beautiful cathedral and monastery, which may influence some parents' choice of this name. Though not widely used internationally, Oliwa has maintained a presence in Poland and among Polish diaspora communities. The name has a gentle, flowing quality with its soft consonants and open vowel sounds. Oliwa offers parents a unique name with genuine cultural roots and a pleasant, feminine sound.

  15. Akamu
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian variant of Adam
    • Description:

      The Hawaiian version of ultra-classic Adam could make a cool choice for parents seeking something that feels fresh but still has roots in tradition. It also means "to blush" in Japanese.
  16. Keawe
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "the strand, the thread"
    • Description:

      Keawe was the name of several Hawaiian chiefs and may be used as an epithet to symbolise powerful lineage. It appeared frequently in 19th century Hawaiian records as a given name and a surname, while more recently, it has only been given to a small handful of boys each year across the US.
  17. Lilikoi
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "passionfruit"
    • Description:

      The Hawaiian word for passionfruit is a new Lili- name possibility, given to five baby girls one recent year. In Hawaii, the fruit name is often written as liliko'i.
  18. Akoni
    • Description:

      Akoni is a Hawaiian masculine name that carries a powerful meaning - "worthy of praise" or "priceless." It has its roots in the Hawaiian culture where names often reflect natural elements, spiritual concepts, or admirable qualities. The name maintains its cultural significance among Hawaiian families and those with connections to Hawaiian heritage. Though not widely used in mainstream American naming, Akoni has seen modest usage among families seeking names with Pacific Island origins or meaningful Hawaiian connections. Its distinctive sound and positive meaning make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a name that stands out while honoring Hawaiian cultural traditions.

  19. Mililani
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "carried from Heaven"
    • Description:

      Names ending in -lani have become so fashionable, people have taken up creating pseudo-Hawaiian names that emulate the sounds of the language (here's looking at you, Meilani). Mililani is at once on-trend, extremely rare, and authentically Hawaiian — the best of all worlds.
  20. Hekili
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Description:

      Hawaiian name meaning "thunder".