Hawaiian Names

  1. Hawaii
    • Origin:

      Place-name
    • Description:

      An actual Hawaiian first name would convey the aura of the islands more originally and effectively.
  2. Alohi
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "shining, brilliant"
    • Description:

      Just one letter separates Alohi from the famous Hawaiian greeting "aloha," but that one letter makes all the difference.
  3. ʻehukai
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "sea spray"
    • Description:

      An intriguing pathway to the hip nickname Kai.
  4. Ululani
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "heavenly inspiration"
    • Description:

      An intruiging and rare Hawaiian "-lani" name to add to the books if you are looking for an alternative to trendy Leilani and Kehlani.
  5. Ekika
    • Description:

      Ekika is a rare feminine name with possible roots in various cultures. It may derive from African languages, particularly those in Nigeria or Uganda, though specific meanings vary by region. In some contexts, it could be related to names meaning 'treasure' or 'beloved.' Alternatively, it might be a creative modern invention based on the popular 'Ek-' sound found in names across different cultures. The name remains extremely uncommon in Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality. Ekika has a rhythmic, melodious sound with its alternating consonants and vowels, creating a pleasant flow. Parents might choose this name for its uniqueness, cultural connections, or simply for its beautiful phonetic qualities and the individuality it would bestow.

  6. Hawaii
    • Origin:

      Proto-Polynesian place name
    • Meaning:

      "place of the gods"
    • Description:

      Evocative of the lush islands, Hawaii is a place name that will transport you — at least in spirit.
  7. Nāpua
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "the flowers"
    • Description:

      A distinct and offbeat Hawaiian girl's name that has yet to gain attention in the mainland.
  8. Hiʻiaka
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "carry + embryo; hold + essence"
    • Description:

      In Hawaiian mythology, Hiʻiaka is the youngest sister of the volcano goddess Pele. In the legend, Pele's mother entrusts her with looking after an egg, which then turns into a baby girl who Pele names Hiʻiakaikapoliopele, meaning "Hiʻiaka in the bosom of Pele."
  9. Kauai
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian place-name
    • Description:

      Visitors to Hawaii's Garden Isle may want to commemorate the island's beauty with this place-name.
  10. Haukea
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "white snow"
    • Description:

      A Hawaiian option for a winter-born daughter. Derived from the elements hau, meaning "snow," and kea, "white."
  11. Anakela
    • Description:

      Anakela is a feminine name of Hawaiian origin, representing a Hawaiianized version of the name Angela. In Hawaiian naming traditions, many Western names were adapted to fit local pronunciation patterns, with Anakela being one such adaptation. The original name Angela derives from Greek, meaning 'messenger' or 'angel.' Anakela carries the melodic quality characteristic of Hawaiian names, with their flowing vowels and gentle consonants. While not widely used outside Hawaii, it represents the beautiful cultural blending that occurred in the Hawaiian islands. The name embodies the laid-back, tropical spirit of Hawaiian culture while maintaining a connection to its classical roots.
  12. 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.

  13. Aolani
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "cloudy skies"
    • Description:

      An unusual Hawaiian nature name with an appealing vowel-rich sound.
  14. Pua
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "flower"
    • Description:

      Overly teasable.
  15. Elikapeka
    • Description:

      Elikapeka is the Hawaiian form of Elizabeth, a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'God is my oath.' This melodic adaptation demonstrates how traditional Western names were transformed to fit Hawaiian phonology during missionary periods in the 19th century. Hawaiian language doesn't contain certain consonants found in European languages, leading to this distinctive interpretation. The name carries cultural significance as it represents the blending of Western and Hawaiian traditions. While not among the most common Hawaiian names, Elikapeka has special importance in Hawaiian cultural history and continues to be used to honor both Hawaiian heritage and biblical connections. The name flows with the characteristic vowel-rich quality of Hawaiian language, creating a musical, gentle sound. For families with Hawaiian roots, it offers a way to connect with cultural heritage while maintaining links to the widely recognized Elizabeth.

  16. Akelina
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian variant of Adeline
    • Description:

      One of the many Hawaiian variants of European names to come out of King Kamehameha IV's 1860 edict mandating the use of Western-style baby names in the tropical archipelago.
  17. Kanani
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "the beauty, glory"
    • Description:

      Popular choice among Millennial and Gen Z girls in Hawaii, following along the tails of Kalani.
  18. Kapua
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "the flower or child"
    • Description:

      A unisex Hawaiian name with a fitting meaning. It also happens to mean "cloud" in Maori.
  19. Lokelani
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "heavenly rose"
    • Description:

      Popular in Hawaii during the first half of the 20th century.
  20. Ulanni
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "heavenly beauty"
    • Description:

      This name is a variation of U'i lani, which means heavenly beauty in Hawaiian.