Hawaiian Dog Names
- Maui
Origin:
Hawaiian, Polynesian mythologyDescription:
The name of the second-biggest (and third-most populous) island in Hawaii was one of the fastest-rising boys' names of 2017. A major factor was surely Dwayne Johnson's character in Moana, the Polynesian demigod named Maui, a mythological trickster who slowed the sun to create the days. (It fell back to normal levels in the following years.)
- Yolani
Origin:
Variation of Iolani, HawaiianMeaning:
"hawk of royalty"Description:
This phonetic spelling variation of Iolani could is bang on trend with Leilani, Meilani, and the like, yet was given to fewer than 10 baby girls during the last year on record.
- Kikilia
Origin:
Hawaiian variation of CeciliaDescription:
This Hawaiian name breathes new (warm) life into the traditional Cecilia and offers the added attraction of the spunky "Kiki" as an obvious nickname option.
- Kaui
Origin:
Maori and HawaiianMeaning:
"tree; or youthful one"Description:
As a Maori name, Kaui is a feminized form of Kauri, a type of native tree.
- Mililani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Hawaii
Origin:
Proto-Polynesian place nameMeaning:
"place of the gods"Description:
Evocative of the lush islands, Hawaii is a place name that will transport you — at least in spirit.
- Ulanni
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"heavenly beauty"Description:
This name is a variation of U'i lani, which means heavenly beauty in Hawaiian.
- Kapono
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"the good"Description:
Kapono is seen as both a given name and a surname in Hawaii. One notable bearer is musician Kapono Beamer, from an influential Hawaiian family.
- Keala
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"the path"Description:
Keala, also spelled Ke'ala, was a common name in its native Hawaii during the mid-20th century. It's considered unisex, but these days is virtually all feminine in usage.
- Inoa
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"name chant"Description:
Inoa is an evocative choice from the South Seas.
- Pua
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"flower"Description:
Overly teasable.
- 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.
- Akamu
Origin:
Hawaiian variant of AdamDescription:
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.
- Ewalina
Description:
Ewalina is a feminine name that appears to be a variant of Evelina or Ewelina, which derive from the Germanic name elements 'avi' (desired, wished for) or the French 'aveline' (hazelnut). The name has particular usage in Polish culture, where Ewelina is more common. Ewalina has a gentle, flowing quality with its four syllables and soft consonants. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, it represents a distinctive alternative to more common names like Eva, Eve, or Evelyn. The name carries a delicate, elegant impression that crosses cultural boundaries while maintaining its Eastern European roots. Parents might choose Ewalina for its uniqueness while still having recognizable elements similar to more familiar names.
- Anela
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"angel"Description:
Anela is the equivalent of Angela, which means angel. Anela is also one of
- Moanna
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"ocean"Description:
In the 2006 film Pan's Labyrinth, Moanna is the name of a Spanish princess, but it's the Moana spelling that has become more famous of late, thanks to the eponymous Disney heroine.
- 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.
- Kalama
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"flaming torch"Description:
Kalama is a rare-yet-accessible Hawaiian name you may want to consider. Since President Obama put the spotlight on Hawaii and Hawaiian names such as that of his daughter Malia, a choice such as Kalama -- unusual, rhythmic, yet easy-to-apprehend -- seems more possible for the world at large.
- Ekela
Origin:
Hawaiian variant of EzraDescription:
One of the many Hawaiian versions of biblical names to come out of King Kamehamaha IV's 1860 edict requiring his citizens to adopt Western-style names.