Hawaiian Names
- Liko
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"leaf bud"Description:
A nature name from the Hawaiian islands that's vaguely reminiscent of trendy names like Luke and Luca. However, it's also the name of a Swedish company that makes mechanical lifts used in medical settings to move mobility-impaired patients.
- Kauai
Origin:
Hawaiian place-nameDescription:
Kauai is known as the Garden Isle of Hawaii. Ironically, it qualifies as a baby name based on spelling variation and homonym Kawhi, as in basketball star Kawhi Leonard.
- Paulo
Origin:
Portuguese, Swedish, and Hawaiian variation of PaulDescription:
Paulo suffers in comparison to the richer and more authentic-sounding Paolo.
- Lilinoe
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"fine mist"Description:
A beautiful Hawaiian mythological name — Lilinoe is the goddess of the rain.
- Pela
Origin:
Polish short form of PenelopeMeaning:
"weaver"Description:
For such a short, simple name, Pela has many possible derivations and meanings. It's most commonly cited as a short form of Penelope, but can also be a nickname for Pelagia, a name related to the sea.
- Loa
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"long"Description:
Though little used as a first name, Loa will be familiar to many from the name of Hawaii's most famous volcano, Mauna Loa, on the Big Island.
- Kainalu
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"ocean that billows; ocean wave"Description:
A quietly used Hawaiian name with an evocative meaning, Kainalu is an ocean-inspired option, well-suited to a state that's made up of islands. Blending Kai meaning "sea" with Nalu meaning "wave, surf", it may be more figuratively interpreted as meaning "billowing ocean". Given to 20 boys in a recent year, it is notably borne by actor Kainalu Moya.
- Luana
Origin:
Combination of Louise and Anna or HawaiianMeaning:
"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.
- Ioane
Description:
Ioane is a masculine name that represents the Samoan, Māori, and broader Polynesian form of John. Derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious,' Ioane carries the same spiritual significance while reflecting Pacific linguistic patterns. The name is relatively common in Samoa, New Zealand among Māori communities, and other Pacific Island nations. Pronounced ee-oh-AH-neh, the name has a flowing, melodic quality characteristic of Polynesian languages. Ioane represents cultural heritage and connection to both Christian tradition and Pacific identity. Outside Polynesian communities, the name is uncommon, offering a distinctive choice that honors Pacific cultural traditions while connecting to the universally recognized John. Its vowel-rich sound pattern gives it a gentle yet masculine quality.
- Kaleo
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"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.
- Pele
Origin:
Hawaiian goddess of fireDescription:
Pele is a female name in Hawaiian culture that could make a provocative choice for a modern girls. Others might think you named your daughter after the all-time great soccer player, but the simple, rare, and lovely name Pele has mythological roots.
- Lio
Origin:
Dutch and German variation of Leo, LatinMeaning:
"lion"Description:
This alternative and modern spelling of Leo is popular with German- and Dutch-speaking parents and features in the charts in Switzerland, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. While it's less popular in English-speaking coutntries, there has been a quiet but not insubstantial increase in the number of boys given the name. 2024 saw it given to 44 babies in the US, compared to just 20 a few years earlier.
- Keoni
Origin:
Hawaiian variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
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 given to one or two dozen boys in California each year.
- Nohea
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"handsome"Description:
Any name that means handsome has something going for it, and Nohea may appeal especially due to its proximity to the popular Noah.
- Makani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"wind"Description:
The sources that do list this name give it as a boys' name, but Woody Harrelson chose it for his daughter, and it does have a feminine lilt.
- Makena'lei
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"flower of heaven"Description:
Helen Hunt chose this lovely name for her daughter.
- Liliuokalani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"smarting pain of the eyes"Description:
Lili'uokalani was the name of the only queen and last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, which was overthrown in January 1893.
- Alani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"orange tree"Description:
A name known in several cultures.
- Kamala
Origin:
Hindi, HawaiianMeaning:
"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.
- Ani
Origin:
Hawaiian; IgboMeaning:
"beautiful"Description:
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.
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