International Baby Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 11 pages
of 11
Hawaiian
"brave man, fearless"
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,…
Kazakh
"moonlight"
A pretty Kazakh name derived from Turkish ayla , meaning "moonlight". The Hawaiian name 'Ailana (with the 'okina mark) means "loving".
"joy, happiness"
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…
Invented name
Girl names ending in -lani are invented every year — Ehlani is among the latest pseudo-Hawaiian inventions.
Portuguese, Swedish, and Hawaiian variation of Paul
Paulo suffers in comparison to the richer and more authentic-sounding Paolo.
Hawaiian, Greek, Basque
"dolphin; to flow; wave, sea foam"
A multicultural option that's equally intriguing but more unusual than Maia. Connected to water and the ocean, it is a Top 100 choice in Spain and Puerto Rico and has been rising up the charts in…
"warrior; flowing tree native to Hawaii"
The popularity of the Biblical Noah has led to a rise in Koa for boys, and since it boosted Noa up the charts for girls too, it was only so long before the rhyming Koa caught on as a unisex…
"the warriors"
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.
"the namesake; sea of freedom"
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…
"leader"
Alakai is an Anglicization of Alaka'i, a Hawaiian name meaning "leader" and the name of a swamp and wilderness preserve on the island of Kaua'i. Its traditional pronunciation would be ah-lah-kah-ee ,…
Combination of Louise and Anna or Hawaiian
"content, at ease"
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.
"heavenly mist"
Unusual yet accessible Hawaiian choice. The Noel beginning makes it a possible name for baby girls born at Christmas .
Hawaiian variation of John
"God is gracious"
Keoni is one of the lesser-used international forms of John, but it has an on-trend sound that many parents may find appealing, perhaps as an alternative honor name. As well as Hawaii, it is also…
Hawaiian form of Matthew
"gift of God"
A refreshing variation on the Biblical classic Matthew, this Hawaiian form blends the stylish -o ending with the cool Kai sound. First appearing in the US stats in 1999, it has been climbing steadily…
Hawaiian variant of Elisha
A well-established (if rare) Hawaiian name that combines two trendy names: Elijah and Kai.
"angel"
Anela is the equivalent of Angela, which means angel. Anela is also one of hawaii's top baby names .
English, Hawaiian
"pure; sea of joy"
In English, Kailea is an unusual variant spelling of Kayley or Kaylee. In Hawaiian, Kaileʻa means "sea of joy". Kailea is one of hawaii's top baby names for girls.
Hawaiian; Igbo
"beautiful"
Folk singer DiFranco popularized this simple, appealing form. In Igbo mythology, Ani is one of the names of the goddess of the earth, fertility, creativity, and morality.
Hawaiian, Greek
"remembrance of a loved one, cherished memory; briny"
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…
Hawaiian or Danish variation of Katherine or Karen
"pure"
Kalena is one of those names that has a pleasant-if-synthetic feel. Research turns up a range of origins and meanings, but the most reliable peg it as a derivation of Katherine.
