Hawaiian Names

Kalake is an uncommon feminine name with a melodic quality. It may have origins in various cultures, potentially drawing from Pacific Islander or African naming traditions, though its specific etymology is not widely documented. The name features a pleasing rhythm with its alternating consonant-vowel pattern. Kalake might be related to words meaning 'bird' or 'to fly' in some languages, though interpretations vary across cultures. As a contemporary choice, it offers parents seeking distinctiveness a name that sounds modern yet has an organic, natural quality. While not ranking on popular name charts, Kalake exemplifies the growing interest in names with global sounds and unique character combinations.

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

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

An unusual Hawaiianization of the fashionable erstwhile "grandma name" Flora, Polala is one of those unique baby names with crossover potential.

While Maui was a male trickster god in Polynesian mythology, the well-known Hawaiian place name Maui can work for either gender.

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 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.

Hawaiian names tend to evoke sunshine and warm weather — this option is more appropriate for a wintertime baby.

Another name to add to the lineup of lanis, but the unfortunate first syllable will likely keep this one rare.

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

A lovely and lovable Hawaiian word meaning "sweetheart," Ipo is sometimes used as a given name or found as an element of names, as in Kaipo.

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.

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

An actual Hawaiian first name would convey the aura of the islands more originally and effectively.

This beautiful Hawaiian girl's name has a lot of potential to cross over to the mainland as Leilani and similar names enjoy their current spotlight.

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.

Edi is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Albanian, it's a short form of names containing the element 'ed' meaning 'wealth' or 'prosperity.' In Hebrew contexts, it may be a diminutive of Edith, meaning 'blessed warfare' or 'rich gift.' As a Finnish name, it can be a variation of Edith or a standalone name. Edi has a modern, minimalist appeal that works well internationally due to its brevity and easy pronunciation across languages. The name carries a bright, friendly character with its short, open-vowel ending. While not widely popular in English-speaking countries, Edi enjoys some usage in Eastern European countries and among families seeking concise, gender-neutral leaning names with cross-cultural accessibility.

Hawaiian form of Jacob

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.