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Hawaiian Names

  1. Kainalu

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "ocean that billows"

    • Description:

      Many Hawaiian names reference nature, especially the ocean -- not surprising for a state that's made up of islands. Kainalu's meaning is one of the loveliest.
  2. Kaleo

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "the voice"

    • Description:

      Kaleo is one of a number of fast-rising Hawaiian names, thanks to its cool combination of sounds reminiscent of Kainoa and Mateo.
  3. Lio

    • Origin:

      Variation of Leo, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lion"

    • Description:

      This alternative spelling of Leo is popular with German-speaking parents. It's rare in English-speaking areas, which could be a burden, but the advantage is that it could be short for (or honor) a name such as Julio or Lionel.
  4. Luka

    • Description:

      Luka as a feminine name represents a gender-switched variation of the traditionally masculine Luka/Luca, which derives from the Latin 'Lucius,' meaning 'light' or 'illumination.' While Luka remains predominantly masculine in most cultures (particularly popular in Eastern European countries like Croatia and Slovenia), its use for girls has emerged as part of the trend toward gender-neutral naming. The feminine Luka carries a modern, international appeal with its melodic sound and simple spelling. The name's connection to light gives it an uplifting quality, while its cross-cultural presence (appearing in Slavic, Italian, and Japanese naming traditions) adds versatility. Though still uncommon for girls, Luka fits alongside other formerly masculine names like Riley and Avery that have gained acceptance for both genders.

  5. Luana

    • Origin:

      Combination of Louise and Anna or Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "content, at ease"

    • Description:

      In the slipstream of Luna, this everywhere-and-nowhere international name, with its attractive liquid sound, is popular in several European countries along with Hawaii.
  6. Moana

    • Origin:

      Maori, Samoan

    • Meaning:

      "deep ocean, sea"

    • Description:

      This Maori name, often heard in New Zealand, is an attractive, evocative choice for lovers of the ocean made famous – perhaps too famous – by the Disney heroine. Moana was also an alternate name for the heroine Ofelia in Pan's Labyrinth. Moana may also be a color name for a deep ocean blue ("lanu moana"). Moana and other Disney Princess Names are the subject of a featured blog.
  7. Nakoa

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "the warriors"

    • Description:

      Nakoa is a Top 100 name for boys in Hawaii. It became more widely known after actors Lisa Bonet and Jason Mamoa chose it for their son.
  8. Kalea

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "joy, happiness"

    • Description:

      Kalea is a Top 100 name for girls in Hawaii, that may also be spelled as Kale'a. Sources differ on the meaning of the name, but the most authoritative land on "joy or happiness", with other suggestions being "clear", "call, voice", "the bright one" or a combination of other Hawaiian names, such as Kalani and Leilani.
  9. Kamala

    • Origin:

      Hindi, Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "lotus or pale red; or, a garden"

    • Description:

      A multicultural name that manages to sound soft and strong at the same time, Kamala is also another name for the Hindu goddess Lakshmi.
  10. Alani

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "orange tree"

    • Description:

      A name known in several cultures.
  11. Alika

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian; Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "truthful; most beautiful"

    • Description:

      Alika is a multicultural choice that's far off the beaten track.
  12. Noelani
  13. Ailana

    • Origin:

      Kazakh

    • Meaning:

      "moonlight"

    • Description:

      A pretty Kazakh name derived from Turkish ayla, meaning "moonlight". The Hawaiian name 'Ailana (with the 'okina mark) means "loving".
  14. Alani

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "orange tree"

    • Description:

      One of those names you may not even be aware of if you haven't been paying attention to recent naming trends, Alani was given to more than 700 baby girls in the US in one recent year, to be the second most popular feminization of Alan after Alana. It's certainly the most modern-sounding female version of Alan.
  15. Olena

    • Origin:

      Ukrainian, Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "torch, shining light; turmeric, yellow, ginger"

    • Description:

      This chic Ukrainian form of Helen is relatively unknown outside of its native country, but it definitely has international appeal. Olia or Olenka are the usual Ukrainian diminutives, but tomboyish Oli or Leni could work too.
  16. Lui

    • Description:

      Lui is a concise masculine name with multicultural roots and meanings. In Italian and Spanish, it functions as a shortened form of Luigi or Luis, respectively, ultimately deriving from the Germanic name Ludwig meaning 'famous warrior.' In Japanese, Lui (類) can mean 'kind' or 'type,' though other kanji combinations are possible. In Chinese, depending on the characters used, it may relate to concepts like 'thunder' or other meanings. Hawaiian tradition uses Lui as a transliteration of Louis. The name's brevity makes it easily pronounceable across language barriers, while its international character lends it versatility. Though not typically among the most popular names in Western countries, Lui offers a compact, modern feel with rich cultural connections.
  17. Halia

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "remembrance of a loved one, cherished memory; briny"

    • Description:

      Halia is one of Hawaii's top baby names, in the Top 50 for girls in 2021. Rare yet quietly on the rise outside of Hawaii, it was given to around 64 girls in a recent year. With its appealing meaning and approachable sound, Halia may see more use in the future.
  18. Kainoa

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "the namesake; sea of freedom"

    • Description:

      Intriguing Hawaiian option that combines the sounds two popular boy names—Kai and Noah — but is in a name in its own right, not a newly created compound name — and is pronounced just slightly differently. The name has two possible meanings: from the elements kai and noa it means "sea of freedom", whereas from ka and inoa, it means "the name(sake)".
  19. Kiana

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

      Kiana (or more appropriately, Quiana) is the original polyester name, coming into favor in the 1970s but then drifting downward for years before taking a surprise turn back up the charts, perhaps thanks to its resemblance to the popular Keanu.
  20. Makoa

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "brave man, fearless"

    • Description:

      One of the most popular native language names for boys in Hawaii, Makoa joins Nakoa and Koa as Hawaiian boys' names finding a wider audience in the US. Given to 125 boys in the US in a recent year, 85% of whom where born outside of Hawaii.