Hawaiian Names
- Kalani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"the heavens"Description:
This name is one of the hot new spiritual names for both sexes. In Hawaiian it means "chieftain of the sky" or "spirit of the sky,"and is extremely popular for boys.
- Kana
Description:
Kana is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Japanese, Kana (かな) refers to the Japanese syllabic writing system and can mean 'powerful' or 'one who possesses capabilities.' In Hawaiian, it means 'goddess of the moon.' The name also appears in various other cultures: it has Sanskrit roots meaning 'youngest' and exists in Finnish as a variant of Kaarina. Kana's brevity and melodic quality make it appealing cross-culturally. The name has gained moderate international recognition while remaining distinctive. Its simplicity allows for easy pronunciation across languages, contributing to its global appeal. Kana embodies different virtues depending on the cultural context, from strength to celestial beauty.
- 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.
- Malu
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"peace"Description:
Malu is a charming Hawaiian name chosen by ex-Talking Head David Byrne for his daughter. Malu might also be an abbreviated form of Malou, which is an abbreviated form of Mary Louise. Malu or Malou might be a retro-chic nickname for a child given the family names of Mary and/or Louise.
- 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.
- Makaio
Origin:
Hawaiian form of MatthewMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
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 upwards ever since.
- 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.
- Kalei
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"flowers or child"Description:
Either means "the flowers" or "the child" – lei can mean both. Either way, a strong and pretty Hawaiian name.
- 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.
- Keola
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"the life"Description:
A Hawaiian dad name, Keola ranked among the top names in Hawaii in the 1970s. Keola is derived from the Hawaiian ke, "the" and ola meaning "life" or "health".
- Makeo
Origin:
Hawaiian version of MateoDescription:
Makeo is a rare name, which peaked in usage in the USA in 2012, when it was given to six little boys. Despite this rarity, its similarity to names like Mateo (to which it is related), Arlo, etc. means it is ripe for a spike in popularity.
- Ikaia
Description:
Ikaia is a masculine name with Polynesian origins, particularly connected to Hawaiian naming traditions. In Hawaiian contexts, it may relate to 'kai' meaning 'sea' or 'ocean,' suggesting connections to water, vastness, and the natural world. The name carries the rhythmic, open-vowel quality characteristic of Polynesian names. Ikaia remains relatively uncommon globally but has seen some increased usage as interest in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander names has grown in recent decades. Parents might choose this name seeking a connection to Polynesian culture or to express appreciation for its natural associations and melodic sound. The name projects a sense of strength and natural harmony while offering distinctiveness in most naming environments outside the Pacific Islands.
- Mahina
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"moon"Description:
One name that encompasses several big baby name trends: Hawaiian names, word names and space-related names. Mahina ranks among Hawaii's top baby names for girls.
- 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.
- Huali
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"bright, polished, gleaming, unsullied"Description:
Evocative of hulas, leis, and luaus.
- Namaka
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"eyes"Description:
For a baby with beautiful eyes.
- Kala
Origin:
Tamil; HawaiianMeaning:
"Virtue; princess"
- Kāʻeo
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"full of knowledge"Description:
An intriguing Hawaiian boy's name much more distinct and unique than Kai or Koa.
- Kaimana
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"the power of the ocean"Description:
This Hawaiian name gracefully celebrates the force of nature, paying tribute to the ocean. If you're looking for unique names that mean ocean, this should be on your short list.
- Miliama
Origin:
Hawaiian variation of MiriamMeaning:
"drop of the sea"Description:
This Hawaiian take on Miriam has all the sounds of a modern-day smash hit — think Amelia, Mila, etc. — but is virtually undiscovered.