Hawaiian Names
- Kaulana
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"famous"Description:
A beautiful Hawaiian boy's name that feels like the male equivalent to popular Kailani and co.
- Kainoa
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"the namesake"Description:
Unisex Hawaiian name with great potential on the mainland.
- Iekika
Description:
Iekika is a feminine name with Hawaiian origins, where names often carry deep cultural meanings related to nature, qualities, or family history. In Hawaiian naming traditions, each syllable typically has significance, and the melodic quality of names reflects the flowing nature of the Hawaiian language. Though relatively uncommon even in Hawaii, Iekika represents the beautiful tradition of Hawaiian names that has gained appreciation beyond the islands. The name's exotic quality and vowel-rich composition give it a distinctive sound that stands out in multicultural environments. Hawaiian names like Iekika have seen increased interest as parents seek names with cultural depth and unique sounds. For those with Hawaiian heritage or connections to Polynesian culture, Iekika offers an authentic name choice that honors indigenous naming traditions while being melodically appealing.
- Makana
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"gift"Description:
A nice meaning -- congruent with the recent vogue for names like Blessing -- helps offset this Hawaiian name's proximity to overused Makayla and McKenzie.
- Kapua
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"the flower or child"Description:
A unisex Hawaiian name with a fitting meaning. It also happens to mean "cloud" in Maori.
- Maui
Origin:
Hawaiian place name and Polynesian mythology nameDescription:
While Maui was a male trickster god in Polynesian mythology, the well-known Hawaiian place name Maui can work for either gender.
- Momi
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
A cutesy Hawaiian name with a pretty meaning.
- 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.
- Hawaii
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
An actual Hawaiian first name would convey the aura of the islands more originally and effectively.
- Kūhaʻo
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"independent"Description:
This lovely Hawaiian name may need some additional support for spelling and pronunciation.
- Elenola
Description:
Elenola is a distinctive feminine name with likely roots in variations of Helen or Eleanor. The addition of the '-ola' suffix creates a melodic quality that distinguishes it from more common alternatives. While relatively rare, Elenola carries an elegant, vintage charm. The name may be considered a creative combination of elements from Elena and traditional feminine diminutive endings. Though not widely used in mainstream culture, Elenola might appeal to parents seeking a unique name with a classic feel and pleasant phonetics. Its rarity means a child named Elenola would likely have a distinctive identity without difficult pronunciation challenges.
- Leialoha
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"beloved child"Description:
Once a common girl name in Hawaii, today Leialoha is virtually unheard of.
- Uleki
Description:
Uleki is a masculine name with African origins, particularly found in some East African cultures. The name is relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality for those seeking unique names. Uleki may carry meanings related to 'light' or 'brightness' in certain contexts, though meanings can vary by specific cultural origin. The name has a melodic quality with its alternating vowel-consonant pattern, making it pleasant to pronounce. Despite its rarity in global naming statistics, Uleki represents the growing trend of parents seeking names with international roots and distinctive sounds that stand out while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce.
- Akamu
Origin:
Hawaiian variant of AdamDescription:
The Hawaiian version of ultra-classic Adam could make a cool choice for parents seeking something that feels fresh but still has roots in tradition. It also means "to blush" in Japanese.
- Haukea
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"white snow"Description:
A Hawaiian option for a winter-born daughter. Derived from the elements hau, meaning "snow," and kea, "white."
- 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.
- 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.
- ʻiwalani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"heavenly frigatebird"Description:
An intruiging and rare Hawaiian "-lani" name to add to the books if you are looking for an alternative to trendy Leilani and Kehlani.
- Kupa’a
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"steadfast"Description:
An intriguing Hawaiian boy's name that has yet to make its way to the mainland.
- Kukana
Origin:
Hawaiian variant of SusannahDescription:
When King Kamehamaha IV of Hawaii mandated that residents of the island nation take on Western-style names in 1860, they adapted many traditional English first names to the unique Hawaiian orthography; this is the local version of Susannah.