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Hawaiian Names

  1. Aleka

    • Description:

      Aleka is a feminine name with Greek roots, derived from Alexandra or Alexia, which ultimately come from the Greek "alexein" meaning "to defend" or "to help". As a diminutive form, Aleka carries the same protective connotations in a more endearing package. While not among the most common names in Western countries, it has maintained steady usage particularly in Greek communities and diaspora. Aleka offers a distinctive yet accessible alternative to more popular Alexandra derivatives. The name combines a melodic quality with strong historical connections, making it both distinctive and meaningful for parents seeking a name with depth and elegance.
  2. Lokelani

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "heavenly rose"

    • Description:

      Popular in Hawaii during the first half of the 20th century.
  3. Lilieana

    • Description:

      Lilieana is a feminine name that appears to be a modern elaboration of Lily or Liliana, both derived from the Latin word 'lilium' for the lily flower. This ornate variation incorporates the natural beauty and purity symbolized by lilies with an elegant, extended form. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its multiple syllables and vowel sounds. Lilieana represents the contemporary trend of enhancing traditional names with additional syllables and unique spellings. While not historically common, it fits with the rising popularity of flower-inspired names and elaborate feminine options. The name maintains the delicate, feminine associations of its root form while offering something more distinctive. For parents seeking a name that sounds romantic and elaborate while still connecting to traditional naming elements, Lilieana offers both innovation and familiar beauty.

  4. 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.
  5. Kilikina

    • Description:

      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.
  6. Polala

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian variant of Flora

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "gift"

    • Description:

      A nice meaning -- congruent with the recent vogue for names like Blessing -- helps offset this Hawaiian name's proximity to overused Makayla and McKenzie.
  8. ’auli’i

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "dainty; cute"

    • Description:

      The name Auliʻi entered the mainland American eye through the Hawaiian actress Auliʻi Cravalho who voiced the featured Disney Princess in the film Moana. 'Auli'i is another legitimate spelling of this beautiful name.
  9. Leialoha

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "beloved child"

    • Description:

      Once a common girl name in Hawaii, today Leialoha is virtually unheard of.
  10. 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.

  11. Rahela

    • Description:

      Rahela is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, being a variant of Rachel, which means 'ewe' or 'female sheep.' This beautiful name appears in the Bible as Jacob's beloved wife and has been used throughout many cultures with various spellings. Rahela is particularly common in Eastern European countries, especially Romania, Croatia, and Slovenia, as well as in Israel. The name carries connotations of feminine beauty, gentleness, and maternal care from its biblical associations. While not frequently used in English-speaking countries, where Rachel remains more popular, Rahela offers a more distinctive international flavor while maintaining recognizable roots. The name has a flowing, melodic quality with its three syllables and soft consonants.

  12. Lililehua

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "scarlet sage"

    • Description:

      A pretty, botanical choice that features in a much covered song called Pua Lililehua, this is the Hawaiian name for salvia coccinea, a plant with bright red flowers, more commonly known as Scarlet Sage, Tropical Sage or Texas Sage. Olympic surfer Carissa Moore chose Lililehua for her daughter Olena's middle name in 2025.
  13. Kukana

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian variant of Susannah

    • Description:

      When King Kamehamaha IV of Hawaii mandated that residents of the island nation take on Western-style names in 1860, they adapted many traditional English first names to the unique Hawaiian orthography; this is the local version of Susannah.
  14. Akela

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian variation of Asher or Adela

    • Description:

      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.
  15. Hiʻilani

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "held in the arms of heaven"

    • 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.
  16. Iekika

    • Description:

      Iekika is a feminine name with Hawaiian origins, where names often carry deep cultural meanings related to nature, qualities, or family history. In Hawaiian naming traditions, each syllable typically has significance, and the melodic quality of names reflects the flowing nature of the Hawaiian language. Though relatively uncommon even in Hawaii, Iekika represents the beautiful tradition of Hawaiian names that has gained appreciation beyond the islands. The name's exotic quality and vowel-rich composition give it a distinctive sound that stands out in multicultural environments. Hawaiian names like Iekika have seen increased interest as parents seek names with cultural depth and unique sounds. For those with Hawaiian heritage or connections to Polynesian culture, Iekika offers an authentic name choice that honors indigenous naming traditions while being melodically appealing.
  17. Maui

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian place name and Polynesian mythology name

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      Kani is a feminine name of Hawaiian origin meaning 'sound of the ocean.' It can also be found in Japanese culture, where it means 'crab.' The name has connections to nature and carries a melodic quality that reflects its oceanic roots. In some African cultures, variations of Kani can be found with different meanings. While not among the most common names in Western countries, Kani has been gradually gaining appreciation for its brevity, distinctive sound, and multicultural appeal. Parents drawn to unique names with natural associations might find Kani particularly attractive. Its simplicity makes it easy to pronounce across different languages, contributing to its growing international appeal.
  19. ʻehukai

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "sea spray"

    • Description:

      An intriguing pathway to the hip nickname Kai.
  20. Nāpua

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "the flowers"

    • Description:

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