Hawaiian Names

The name Auliʻi entered the mainland American eye through the Hawaiian actress Auliʻi Cravalho who voiced the featured Disney Princess in the film Moana. 'Auli'i is another legitimate spelling of this beautiful name.

Malea, for familiar to Americans spelled Malia as in Malia Obama, is a Top 100 name in Germany and Switzerland. In the US, only about 40 baby girls were named Malea last year, versus 1100 named Malia.

The Hawaiian variant Iakona modernizes Biblical favorite Jason.

Any name that means handsome has something going for it, and Nohea may appeal especially due to its proximity to the popular Noah.

This beautiful Hawaiian girl's name has a lot of potential to cross over to the mainland as Leilani and similar names enjoy their current spotlight.

Kaimana is one of

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.

The strong sounds in this energetic Hawaiian name mirror its meaning.

Kapono is seen as both a given name and a surname in Hawaii. One notable bearer is musician Kapono Beamer, from an influential Hawaiian family.

Akela is one of the unisex names used in Hawaii to signify Anglo choices: in Akela's case, Asher for boys or Adela for girls.

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.

A lovely Hawaiian name meaning "you are beautiful" that feels on trend with Leilani, Ailani, and related names.

Another name to add to the lineup of lanis, but the unfortunate first syllable will likely keep this one rare.

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.

An upbeat Hawaiian name with the fashionable -o ending, Kimo would theoretically be an appealing choice... were it not for its homophony with the grim word "chemo."

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.

This lovely Hawaiian name can also be spelled Keali'i.

A unisex Hawaiian name with a fitting meaning. It also happens to mean "cloud" in Maori.

Hawaiian form of Jacob

A name known in several cultures.