Hawaiian Names
- Makala
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"myrtle,"Description:
There are so many variations of this name in circulation, it makes it hard for any of them to feel as special as they might.
- Nainoa
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"the namesakes"Description:
An uncommon elaboration on the popular Noa sound, this Hawaiian name was traditionally given as a third name where the first two names were honor names.
- Lilinoe
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"fine mist"Description:
A beautiful Hawaiian mythological name — Lilinoe is the goddess of the rain.
- 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.
- Lililehua
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"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.
- Paulo
Origin:
Portuguese, Swedish, and Hawaiian variation of PaulDescription:
Paulo suffers in comparison to the richer and more authentic-sounding Paolo.
- Kanoa
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"the free one"Description:
Kanoa is a fashionable Hawaiian boy name that resembles Kainoa in sound and style, but not in frequency of use. Kanoa is currently undiscovered, but is definitely a name to watch.
- Iolani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"hawk of royalty"Description:
Iolani feels quintessentially Hawaiian, a stylish origin for baby names these days thanks to Malia, the Hawaiian name of the Obamas' older daughter. The initial I is pronounced with a long e sound, as in Waikiki, and the name Iolani has four syllables.
- Ailani
Origin:
Hawaiian, Hispanic variation of Aileen or Aylin, "high chief; shining light; of the moon"Meaning:
"high chief; shining light; of the moon"Description:
Lilting and lovely, Ailani entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2016 and was a fast climbing choice in 2024 when it rose 267 places, placing it in the Top 400 of that year. With Hawaiian, Spanish, Irish, and Turkish influence, it is an appealingly multicultural choice.
- 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.
- 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.
- Lilikoi
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"passionfruit"Description:
The Hawaiian word for passionfruit is a new Lili- name possibility, given to five baby girls one recent year. In Hawaii, the fruit name is often written as liliko'i.
- Maile
Origin:
Hawaiian nature nameDescription:
Captivating and appealing name — a maile is a vine used to make leis — getting noticed via writer Maile Meloy. Many pronounce it ala Miley, as in Cyrus, though native Hawaiian speakers say the correct pronunciation is more like MY-lay or MY-leh.
- 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.
- Aulelei
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"beautiful"Description:
A lovely Hawaiian name meaning "you are beautiful" that feels on trend with Leilani, Ailani, and related names.
- 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.
- La'akea
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"sacred and clear, sacred, clear and holy light"Description:
Combining the elements laʻa meaning "sacred, holy" and kea meaning "clear, bright, white, La'akea is a name with a vibrant feel to it. The name was chosen by actress and former MMA fighter Ronda Rousey and her husband Travis Browne for their first daughter in 2021.
- 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.
- Akoni
Description:
Akoni is a Hawaiian masculine name that carries a powerful meaning - "worthy of praise" or "priceless." It has its roots in the Hawaiian culture where names often reflect natural elements, spiritual concepts, or admirable qualities. The name maintains its cultural significance among Hawaiian families and those with connections to Hawaiian heritage. Though not widely used in mainstream American naming, Akoni has seen modest usage among families seeking names with Pacific Island origins or meaningful Hawaiian connections. Its distinctive sound and positive meaning make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a name that stands out while honoring Hawaiian cultural traditions.
- 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.