Hawaiian Names
- Keahi
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"flames"Description:
Hawaiian names are having a moment, and this one, despite its strong meaning, is relatively undiscovered. The pronunciation may not be immediately obvious, but it didn't hurt Keanu Reeves.
- Namaka
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"eyes"Description:
For a baby with beautiful eyes.
- Kale
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Whether you think of it as Cale with a K, or a pet form of Kalen or Kaleb, this is just the kind of short, synthetic name finding a lot of favor now, but remember -- it's also the name of a vegetable.
- Maile
Origin:
Hawaiian nature nameDescription:
Captivating and appealing name — a maile is a vine used to make leis — getting noticed via writer Maile Meloy. Many pronounce it ala Miley, as in Cyrus, though native Hawaiian speakers say the correct pronunciation is more like MY-lay or MY-leh.
- Liban
Description:
Liban is a masculine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Somali culture, where it is most prominently used, Liban relates to concepts of prosperity and well-being. The name also appears in Arabic contexts, potentially connected to the word meaning 'frankincense' or as a reference to Lebanon (Lubnan in Arabic). In Celtic traditions, particularly Irish, Liban appears in mythology as a woman transformed into a mermaid, though this usage is less common for male bearers. The name has maintained consistent usage in East African communities, particularly Somalia, and has spread through diaspora communities worldwide. Liban offers a distinctive sound that works well across multiple language environments while carrying positive associations of abundance and fragrance in its primary cultural contexts. The name's multicultural nature makes it both meaningful within specific traditions and accessible across cultural boundaries.
- Paulo
Origin:
Portuguese, Swedish, and Hawaiian variation of PaulDescription:
Paulo suffers in comparison to the richer and more authentic-sounding Paolo.
- Pele
Origin:
Hawaiian goddess of fireDescription:
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.
- Lio
Origin:
Dutch and German variation of Leo, LatinMeaning:
"lion"Description:
This alternative and modern spelling of Leo is popular with German- and Dutch-speaking parents and features in the charts in Switzerland, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. While it's less popular in English-speaking coutntries, there has been a quiet but not insubstantial increase in the number of boys given the name. 2024 saw it given to 44 babies in the US, compared to just 20 a few years earlier.
- Nohea
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"handsome"Description:
Any name that means handsome has something going for it, and Nohea may appeal especially due to its proximity to the popular Noah.
- Makani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"wind"Description:
The sources that do list this name give it as a boys' name, but Woody Harrelson chose it for his daughter, and it does have a feminine lilt.
- Makena'lei
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"flower of heaven"Description:
Helen Hunt chose this lovely name for her daughter.
- Alani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"orange tree"Description:
A name known in several cultures.
- Ani
Origin:
Hawaiian; IgboMeaning:
"beautiful"Description:
Folk singer DiFranco popularized this simple, appealing form. In Igbo mythology, Ani is one of the names of the goddess of the earth, fertility, creativity, and morality.
- Nalani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"calm skies"Description:
Evocative of tranquil island escapes. One of several Hawaiian (and pseudo-Hawaiian) names ending in "-ani" that's soaring in popularity, Nalani made its debut on the US Top 1000 in 2016.
- Makala
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"myrtle,"Description:
There are so many variations of this name in circulation, it makes it hard for any of them to feel as special as they might.
- Iakona
Origin:
Hawaiian variation of JasonMeaning:
"healer"Description:
The Hawaiian variant Iakona modernizes Biblical favorite Jason.
- Makeo
Origin:
Hawaiian version of MateoDescription:
Makeo is a rare name, which peaked in usage in the USA in 2012, when it was given to six little boys. Despite this rarity, its similarity to names like Mateo (to which it is related), Arlo, etc. means it is ripe for a spike in popularity.
- Ailani
Origin:
Hawaiian, Hispanic variation of Aileen or Aylin, "high chief; shining light; of the moon"Meaning:
"high chief; shining light; of the moon"Description:
Lilting and lovely, Ailani entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2016 and was a fast climbing choice in 2024 when it rose 267 places, placing it in the Top 400 of that year. With Hawaiian, Spanish, Irish, and Turkish influence, it is an appealingly multicultural choice.
- Kala
Origin:
Tamil; HawaiianMeaning:
"Virtue; princess"
- 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.
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