Hawaiian Names
- Nakoa
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"the warriors"Description:
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.
- 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.
- Lulani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"sky"Description:
A close relative of the very popular Leilani, with just a hint of Lulu.
- 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.
- Rahela
Description:
Rahela is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, being a variant of Rachel, which means 'ewe' or 'female sheep.' This beautiful name appears in the Bible as Jacob's beloved wife and has been used throughout many cultures with various spellings. Rahela is particularly common in Eastern European countries, especially Romania, Croatia, and Slovenia, as well as in Israel. The name carries connotations of feminine beauty, gentleness, and maternal care from its biblical associations. While not frequently used in English-speaking countries, where Rachel remains more popular, Rahela offers a more distinctive international flavor while maintaining recognizable roots. The name has a flowing, melodic quality with its three syllables and soft consonants.
- Keke
Origin:
English variation of Kiki, Finnish diminutive of Gertrud, or Hawaiian variation of KateMeaning:
"double happiness; strength of a spear; pure"Description:
Keke is a multicultural double-punch nickname, notably borne by actress Keke Palmer. Palmer was born Lauren Keyana, yet her nickname does not derive from her middle name — her older sister had an imaginary friend named Keke.
- Kapua
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"the flower or child"Description:
A unisex Hawaiian name with a fitting meaning. It also happens to mean "cloud" in Maori.
- 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.
- Elikapeka
Description:
Elikapeka is the Hawaiian form of Elizabeth, a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'God is my oath.' This melodic adaptation demonstrates how traditional Western names were transformed to fit Hawaiian phonology during missionary periods in the 19th century. Hawaiian language doesn't contain certain consonants found in European languages, leading to this distinctive interpretation. The name carries cultural significance as it represents the blending of Western and Hawaiian traditions. While not among the most common Hawaiian names, Elikapeka has special importance in Hawaiian cultural history and continues to be used to honor both Hawaiian heritage and biblical connections. The name flows with the characteristic vowel-rich quality of Hawaiian language, creating a musical, gentle sound. For families with Hawaiian roots, it offers a way to connect with cultural heritage while maintaining links to the widely recognized Elizabeth.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Iakona
Origin:
Hawaiian variation of JasonMeaning:
"healer"Description:
The Hawaiian variant Iakona modernizes Biblical favorite Jason.
- Kaikoa
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"sea warrior"Description:
A bold and energetic Hawaiian name which blends two fashionable favorites: Kai and Koa.
- Aulelei
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"beautiful"Description:
A lovely Hawaiian name meaning "you are beautiful" that feels on trend with Leilani, Ailani, and related names.
- Edi
Description:
Edi is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Albanian, it's a short form of names containing the element 'ed' meaning 'wealth' or 'prosperity.' In Hebrew contexts, it may be a diminutive of Edith, meaning 'blessed warfare' or 'rich gift.' As a Finnish name, it can be a variation of Edith or a standalone name. Edi has a modern, minimalist appeal that works well internationally due to its brevity and easy pronunciation across languages. The name carries a bright, friendly character with its short, open-vowel ending. While not widely popular in English-speaking countries, Edi enjoys some usage in Eastern European countries and among families seeking concise, gender-neutral leaning names with cross-cultural accessibility.
- 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.
- Kalama
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"flaming torch"Description:
Kalama is a rare-yet-accessible Hawaiian name you may want to consider. Since President Obama put the spotlight on Hawaii and Hawaiian names such as that of his daughter Malia, a choice such as Kalama -- unusual, rhythmic, yet easy-to-apprehend -- seems more possible for the world at large.
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