Hawaiian Names for Boys

Kai

Hawaiian, Frisian, Chinese

"sea; warrior; triumph"

Kai is an internationally flexible name with many possible origins and meanings, growing in popularity in the US and a diverse range of European countries. In the US, the name Kai is most commonly…

Kane

Celtic

"warrior"

A name of multiple identities: a somewhat soap-operatic single-syllable surname, a homonym for the biblical bad boy Cain, and, when found in Japan and Hawaii, it transforms into the two syllable…

Keanu

Hawaiian

"the coolness, or the cool breeze"

An evocative name brought from Hawaii to the mainland by Keanu Reeves, who was born in Beirut to a part-Hawaiian, part-Chinese father. It moved into the Top 1000 for the first time in over a decade…

Kale

Modern invented name

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.

Paulo

Portuguese, Swedish, and Hawaiian variation of Paul

Paulo suffers in comparison to the richer and more authentic-sounding Paolo.

Namaka

Hawaiian

"eyes"

For a baby with beautiful eyes.

Nohea

Hawaiian

"handsome"

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

Palani

Hawaiian variation of Frank

One of the Hawaiian names being discovered by stylish parents, especially Californians.

Ulesi

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…

Uleki

Uleki is a masculine name with African origins, particularly found in some East African cultures. The name is relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality for those…

Ikaia

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…

Lio

Dutch and German variation of Leo, Latin

"lion"

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…

Keahi

Hawaiian

"flames"

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.

Hoku

Hawaiian

"night of the full moon"

Like a large proportion of traditional Hawaiian names, Hoku can be used for both girls and boys.

Kalani

Hawaiian

"the heavens"

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.

Alani

Hawaiian

"orange tree"

A name known in several cultures.

Makeo

Hawaiian version of Mateo

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.…

Akoni

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…

Iakona

Hawaiian variation of Jason

"healer"

The Hawaiian variant Iakona modernizes Biblical favorite Jason.

Liban

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…