Hawaiian Names
- Pua
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"flower"Description:
Overly teasable.
- Kaʻimi
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"the seeker"Description:
A possible long form to get to the hip nickname Kai.
- Kakalina
Origin:
Hawaiian variation of KatherineDescription:
Kakalina may have a sound that invites ridicule, but it's the Hawaiian form of Katherine.
- Pele
Origin:
Hawaiian goddess of fireDescription:
Pele is a female name in Hawaiian culture that could make a provocative choice for a modern girls. Others might think you named your daughter after the all-time great soccer player, but the simple, rare, and lovely name Pele has mythological roots.
- Kalei
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"flowers or child"Description:
Either means "the flowers" or "the child" – lei can mean both. Either way, a strong and pretty Hawaiian name.
- Kupa’a
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"steadfast"Description:
An intriguing Hawaiian boy's name that has yet to make its way to the mainland.
- Rahela
Description:
Rahela is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, being a variant of Rachel, which means 'ewe' or 'female sheep.' This beautiful name appears in the Bible as Jacob's beloved wife and has been used throughout many cultures with various spellings. Rahela is particularly common in Eastern European countries, especially Romania, Croatia, and Slovenia, as well as in Israel. The name carries connotations of feminine beauty, gentleness, and maternal care from its biblical associations. While not frequently used in English-speaking countries, where Rachel remains more popular, Rahela offers a more distinctive international flavor while maintaining recognizable roots. The name has a flowing, melodic quality with its three syllables and soft consonants.
- Kaipo
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"the sweetheart"Description:
Unisex Hawaiian choice that's ranked in Hawaii (for boys) since the 1970s.
- Hiʻiaka
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"carry + embryo; hold + essence"Description:
In Hawaiian mythology, Hiʻiaka is the youngest sister of the volcano goddess Pele. In the legend, Pele's mother entrusts her with looking after an egg, which then turns into a baby girl who Pele names Hiʻiakaikapoliopele, meaning "Hiʻiaka in the bosom of Pele."
- 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.
- Kilikina
Description:
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ehlani
Origin:
Invented nameDescription:
Girl names ending in -lani are invented every year — Ehlani is among the latest pseudo-Hawaiian inventions.
- Lokelani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"heavenly rose"Description:
Popular in Hawaii during the first half of the 20th century.
- Kalolina
Origin:
Hawaiian variant of CarolineDescription:
Add this seldom-heard name to the vast array of international takes on Caroline.
- Hawaii
Origin:
Proto-Polynesian place nameMeaning:
"place of the gods"Description:
Evocative of the lush islands, Hawaii is a place name that will transport you — at least in spirit.
- Aloha
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"hello; goodbye"Description:
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.
- Elikapeka
Description:
Elikapeka is the Hawaiian form of Elizabeth, a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'God is my oath.' This melodic adaptation demonstrates how traditional Western names were transformed to fit Hawaiian phonology during missionary periods in the 19th century. Hawaiian language doesn't contain certain consonants found in European languages, leading to this distinctive interpretation. The name carries cultural significance as it represents the blending of Western and Hawaiian traditions. While not among the most common Hawaiian names, Elikapeka has special importance in Hawaiian cultural history and continues to be used to honor both Hawaiian heritage and biblical connections. The name flows with the characteristic vowel-rich quality of Hawaiian language, creating a musical, gentle sound. For families with Hawaiian roots, it offers a way to connect with cultural heritage while maintaining links to the widely recognized Elizabeth.
- Kūhaʻo
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"independent"Description:
This lovely Hawaiian name may need some additional support for spelling and pronunciation.