Hawaiian Names

Popular in Hawaii during the first half of the 20th century.

Launa is the Hawaiian verb meaning "to meet," but many will hear this as Lana with a New Jersey accent, or Lorna with a stuffy nose.

A unisex name in Hawaii, with great potential for cool nickname Ma(c)k.

Evocative of hulas, leis, and luaus.

Kalake is an uncommon feminine name with a melodic quality. It may have origins in various cultures, potentially drawing from Pacific Islander or African naming traditions, though its specific etymology is not widely documented. The name features a pleasing rhythm with its alternating consonant-vowel pattern. Kalake might be related to words meaning 'bird' or 'to fly' in some languages, though interpretations vary across cultures. As a contemporary choice, it offers parents seeking distinctiveness a name that sounds modern yet has an organic, natural quality. While not ranking on popular name charts, Kalake exemplifies the growing interest in names with global sounds and unique character combinations.

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.

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.

Wilikinia is an uncommon feminine name that appears to have Polynesian or possibly Hawaiian influences, though it may also be a creative variant of Wilhelmina. In Polynesian naming traditions, it might relate to indigenous names adapted through cultural contact. If connected to Wilhelmina, it would share Germanic roots meaning 'determined protector' or 'resolute guardian.' Wilikinia has a flowing, rhythmic quality with its alternating consonants and vowels, creating a melodic sound characteristic of Pacific Island names. The name remains quite rare globally, making it a distinctive choice. Its length and musical quality give it an exotic, graceful character that might appeal to parents seeking a name with unusual rhythms and potential connections to Pacific or oceanic cultures.

An intruiging and rare Hawaiian "-lani" name to add to the books if you are looking for an alternative to trendy Leilani and Kehlani.

A feminissima version of a super-serious name.

The name of the only queen and last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, which was overthrown in January 1893.

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

While Maui was a male trickster god in Polynesian mythology, the well-known Hawaiian place name Maui can work for either gender.

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.

Once a common girl name in Hawaii, today Leialoha is virtually unheard of.

Kalena is one of those names that has a pleasant-if-synthetic feel. Research turns up a range of origins and meanings, but the most reliable peg it as a derivation of Katherine.

Kilikina is a feminine Hawaiian name that means 'Christina' or 'follower of Christ,' representing the Hawaiian adaptation of the Greek name. In Hawaiian naming tradition, foreign names were often adapted to fit the language's phonetic patterns, which includes only 13 letters. The melodic quality of Kilikina exemplifies the flowing, vowel-rich nature of Hawaiian language. Though not common outside Hawaii, the name carries cultural significance within Hawaiian communities and among those celebrating Polynesian heritage. Kilikina blends Christian tradition with indigenous Hawaiian linguistic elements, making it meaningful for families honoring both cultural streams. The name has a rhythmic, musical quality when pronounced properly with Hawaiian inflection.

Aloha is more familiar but less namelike than Alohi, a Hawaiian name that means bright and shining. However, with the rise of word names, Aloha might make an undeniably cool and modern choice. Aloha Wonderwell (born Idris Hall) was dubbed "The World's Most Widely Travelled Girl" in the 1920s.