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Hawaiian Names

  1. Kona

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "leeward"

    • Description:

      Kona is strongly associated with the Kona coffee of Hawaii. The Hawaiian word kona means "leeward" or "dry side of the island," and Kona districts are where Kona coffee is grown.
  2. Kanoa

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Loa

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. Nohea

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Uilani

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "heavenly beauty"

    • Description:

      This lovely and lilting Hawaiian name is among our favorite girl names beginning with U and could make a rare alternative to the likes of Kalani or Leilani. Notably borne by model Uilani Owens, it can also be written as Uʻilani.
  8. Nanala

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "sunflower"

    • Description:

      The Hawaiian word for sunflower is also used figuratively for people who gaze toward the sun, and has a nice resonance with Lion King name Nala.
  9. Nainoa

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. Haumea

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "red ruler"

    • Description:

      Haumea is the Hawaiian goddess of childbirth, said to have created a potion to allow humans to be able to give birth naturally. The meaning of the name is likely related to the blood shed in childbirth. A dwarf planet beyond Neptune's orbit is named in Haumea's honor.
  11. Ulesi

    • Description:

      Ulesi is a masculine name with African origins, primarily found in certain East African cultures. Though relatively uncommon in global usage, the name carries distinctive cultural significance in its regions of origin. The name has a melodic quality with its balanced syllables and flowing sound. While specific meaning details vary according to precise cultural context, Ulesi generally conveys positive attributes in the communities where it is used. The name remains relatively rare in Western countries, maintaining its cultural distinctiveness. For parents seeking a name with authentic African heritage that is both pronounceable in English and uncommon, Ulesi offers an appealing option that honors African cultural traditions while having a contemporary sound.

  12. Keke

    • Origin:

      English variation of Kiki, Finnish diminutive of Gertrud, or Hawaiian variation of Kate

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  13. Kauai

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian place-name

    • Description:

      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.
  14. Ikaika

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "strong"

    • Description:

      The strong sounds in this energetic Hawaiian name mirror its meaning.
  15. La'akea

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  16. Liliuokalani

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  17. Akela

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian variant of Asher or Adela

    • Description:

      A unisex name in Hawaii, where it can signify either Asher (for boys) or Adela (for girls), Akela was also the name of a character in Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book.
  18. Haunani

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful snow"

    • Description:

      Hawaiian names tend to evoke sunshine and warm weather — this option is more appropriate for a wintertime baby.
  19. Anela

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "angel"

    • Description:

      Anela is the equivalent of Angela, which means angel. Anela is also one of
  20. Hanalei

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "crescent bay or garland valley"

    • Description:

      An appealing Hawaiian name which belongs to a town, river and bay on Kauaʻi island in Hawaii. The two possible meanings of the name, "crescent bay" or "garland (lei) valley" both describe the beauty of the place.