Hawaiian Names
- Kina
Origin:
Hawaiian, SwedishMeaning:
"short form"Description:
The Hawaiian form of Gina or Tina (as well as the word for the country China), or in Swedish, a short form of Katharina or Kristina.
- 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.
- Kamaka
Origin:
Maori, HawaiianMeaning:
"rock; beloved child"Description:
Popular in Hawaii in the first decades of the 20th century, this name also means "rock" in Māori.
- 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.
- Hani
Origin:
Arabic; HawaiianMeaning:
"light-footed, to move softly, to touch; joyful"Description:
Sweet multicultural name.
- Kala
Origin:
Tamil; HawaiianMeaning:
"Virtue; princess"
- Makani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"wind"Description:
As Makenna, Makenzie, and Makayla lose their spark, Hawaiian Makani feels fresh as ever.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Lilinoe
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"fine mist"Description:
A beautiful Hawaiian mythological name — Lilinoe is the goddess of the rain.
- 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".
- Liona
Description:
Liona is a feminine name that likely developed as a variant of Leona, which derives from the Latin word 'leo' meaning 'lion.' This elegant variation carries the same powerful connotations of strength, courage, and majesty associated with the lion. The slight modification in spelling gives the name a softer, more melodic quality while maintaining its regal essence. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Liona has seen occasional usage across Europe. The name's balance of strength and femininity makes it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible option with classical roots. Its musical quality and meaningful connection to the powerful lion imagery offer a name that is both beautiful and symbolically rich for a daughter.
- 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.
- Kaena
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"praised"Description:
Kaena is a pleasant sounding unisex Hawaiian place name, the westernmost point of the island of Oahu. In the computer-generated fantasy movie Kaena: The Prophecy, the character of Kaena is voiced by Kirsten Dunst.
- Kealoha
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"loved one"Description:
An appealing unisex Hawaiian name (more commonly used for boys) with a lovely meaning and vibrant sound. It derives from the words ke "the" and aloha "love". Keahloha is also a common Hawaiian surname.
- Iolana
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"soaring like a hawk"Description:
Iolana is a hip-swaying, melodic, and unusual choice. Similar Hawaiian bird-themed choice: Iolani.
- 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.
- 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.
- Kalena
Origin:
Hawaiian or Danish variation of Katherine or KarenMeaning:
"pure"Description:
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.