Hawaiian Names

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.

Unusual yet accessible Hawaiian choice. The Noel beginning makes it a possible name for baby girls born at Christmas.

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.

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.

Alika is a multicultural choice that's far off the beaten track.

Inoa is an evocative choice from the South Seas.

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.

Kaena is a pleasant sounding unisex Hawaiian place name, the westernmost point of the island of Oahu. In the computer-generated fantasy movie Kaena: The Prophecy, the character of Kaena is voiced by Kirsten Dunst.

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.

A name known in several cultures.

This name is one of the hot new spiritual names for both sexes. In Hawaiian it means "chieftain of the sky" or "spirit of the sky,"and is extremely popular for boys.

Malu is a charming Hawaiian name chosen by ex-Talking Head David Byrne for his daughter. Malu might also be an abbreviated form of Malou, which is an abbreviated form of Mary Louise. Malu or Malou might be a retro-chic nickname for a child given the family names of Mary and/or Louise.

Any name that means handsome has something going for it, and Nohea may appeal especially due to its proximity to the popular Noah.

To most English speakers, Nana is the dog in Peter Pan, the daughter played by Emma Stone in Crazy Stupid Love, and another name for Grandma.

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.

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.

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.

Evocative of hulas, leis, and luaus.

For a baby with beautiful eyes.