Hawaiian Names
- Akela
Origin:
Hawaiian variant of Asher or AdelaDescription:
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.
- Makani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"wind"Description:
As Makenna, Makenzie, and Makayla lose their spark, Hawaiian Makani feels fresh as ever.
- 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.
- 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.
- Auli'i
Origin:
Hawaiian, 'dainty, cute, neat'Description:
Hawaiian teen prodigy Auli'i Cravalho burst onto the scene as the star of Disney's animated "Moana" in 2016, bringing this distinctive name to the forefront. The glottal stop, or "okina," between the two I's makes it a somewhat tough sell off the islands, though Cravalho's stunning performance of "How Far I'll Go" at the 2017 Oscars is almost winning enough to overcome that.
- Leimomi
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"pearl necklace; pearl child"Description:
Leimomi was a common girl name in Hawaii a century ago, so according to the 100-Year Rule, it is due to be refreshed and revived. And what great timing, with the current popularity of the similar name Leilani.
- 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.
- Aulelei
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"beautiful"Description:
A lovely Hawaiian name meaning "you are beautiful" that feels on trend with Leilani, Ailani, and related names.
- 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.
- 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.
- Iakona
Origin:
Hawaiian variation of JasonMeaning:
"healer"Description:
The Hawaiian variant Iakona modernizes Biblical favorite Jason.
- Uilani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"heavenly beauty"Description:
This lovely and lilting Hawaiian name is among our favorite girl names beginning with U.
- Keoki
Description:
Keoki is a masculine Hawaiian name that serves as the traditional Hawaiian equivalent of George. The name emerged through the adaptation of foreign names following European contact with the Hawaiian islands. Keoki carries the warm, melodic qualities characteristic of Hawaiian names, with their vowel-rich pronunciations. The name reflects Hawaii's complex cultural history of indigenous tradition meeting external influences. While primarily used in Hawaii and among Hawaiian families, Keoki has gained some recognition beyond the islands as interest in Hawaiian culture has spread. For those of Hawaiian heritage, the name represents cultural identity and connection to the islands, while others might choose it for its pleasing sound and exotic feel.
- Nanala
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"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.
- Iakopa
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Hawaiian form of Jacob
- 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.
- Kaimana
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"the power of the ocean"Description:
Kaimana is one of
- Kakalina
Origin:
Hawaiian variation of KatherineDescription:
Kakalina may have a sound that invites ridicule, but it's the Hawaiian form of Katherine.
- Ewalina
Description:
Ewalina is a feminine name that appears to be a variant of Evelina or Ewelina, which derive from the Germanic name elements 'avi' (desired, wished for) or the French 'aveline' (hazelnut). The name has particular usage in Polish culture, where Ewelina is more common. Ewalina has a gentle, flowing quality with its four syllables and soft consonants. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, it represents a distinctive alternative to more common names like Eva, Eve, or Evelyn. The name carries a delicate, elegant impression that crosses cultural boundaries while maintaining its Eastern European roots. Parents might choose Ewalina for its uniqueness while still having recognizable elements similar to more familiar names.
- Haunani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"beautiful snow"Description:
Hawaiian names tend to evoke sunshine and warm weather — this option is more appropriate for a wintertime baby.