Hawaiian Names

Haumea is the Hawaiian goddess of childbirth, said to have created a potion to allow humans to be able to give birth naturally. The meaning of the name is likely related to the blood shed in childbirth. A dwarf planet beyond Neptune's orbit is named in Haumea's honor.

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

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.

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

Wilikinia is an uncommon feminine name that appears to have Polynesian or possibly Hawaiian influences, though it may also be a creative variant of Wilhelmina. In Polynesian naming traditions, it might relate to indigenous names adapted through cultural contact. If connected to Wilhelmina, it would share Germanic roots meaning 'determined protector' or 'resolute guardian.' Wilikinia has a flowing, rhythmic quality with its alternating consonants and vowels, creating a melodic sound characteristic of Pacific Island names. The name remains quite rare globally, making it a distinctive choice. Its length and musical quality give it an exotic, graceful character that might appeal to parents seeking a name with unusual rhythms and potential connections to Pacific or oceanic cultures.

A beautiful and approachable Hawaiian girl's name that would easily cross into the mainland.

Kilikina is a feminine Hawaiian name that means 'Christina' or 'follower of Christ,' representing the Hawaiian adaptation of the Greek name. In Hawaiian naming tradition, foreign names were often adapted to fit the language's phonetic patterns, which includes only 13 letters. The melodic quality of Kilikina exemplifies the flowing, vowel-rich nature of Hawaiian language. Though not common outside Hawaii, the name carries cultural significance within Hawaiian communities and among those celebrating Polynesian heritage. Kilikina blends Christian tradition with indigenous Hawaiian linguistic elements, making it meaningful for families honoring both cultural streams. The name has a rhythmic, musical quality when pronounced properly with Hawaiian inflection.

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

A lively but melodic name of Hawaiian origin, Liko'ula was recently chosen by former MMA fighter and actress Ronda Rousey and her husband Travis Browne. The name possibly combines liko meaning "bud or newly opened leaf" with 'ula meaning "red".

A lovely Hawaiian boy's name with a bold meaning — and a beautiful one to bestow upon a son. While the letters are all there for the trendy nickname Kai, this name is pronounced "ah-lah-kah ee", with a break between the last two syllables.

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.

The name of the only queen and last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, which was overthrown in January 1893.

Aloha is more familiar but less namelike than Alohi, a Hawaiian name that means bright and shining. However, with the rise of word names, Aloha might make an undeniably cool and modern choice. Aloha Wonderwell (born Idris Hall) was dubbed "The World's Most Widely Travelled Girl" in the 1920s.

Akela is one of the unisex names used in Hawaii to signify Anglo choices: in Akela's case, Asher for boys or Adela for girls.

The Hawaiian form of Gina or Tina (as well as the word for the country China), or in Swedish, a short form of Katharina or Kristina.

The Hawaiian form of Gina or Tina (as well as the word for the country China), or in Swedish, a short form of Katharina or Kristina.

Visitors to Hawaii's Garden Isle may want to commemorate the island's beauty with this place-name.

A distinct and offbeat Hawaiian girl's name that has yet to gain attention in the mainland.

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.