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Hawaiian Girl Names

ilahwillah
By ilahwillah
Updated Thu May 25 2023
A list of my favorite Hawaiian girl names that are rooted in an ancient and beautiful culture.
  1. Kaia

    • Origin:

      Latin, Scandinavian, or Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "to rejoice or sea"

    • Description:

      The new Maia, the next Kayla, Kaia has been on the charts since the year 2000. You might see it as a female form of the also-rising Kai, which means sea in Hawaiian and is sometimes used for girls as well, or as a Kardashianization of the ancient goddess name Caia.
  2. Alana

    • Origin:

      Feminization of Alan, Irish; variation of Ilana, Hebrew; Gaelic; Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "handsome, rock; oak tree; child; awakening"

    • Description:

      Alana, in all its various spellings, was at one time reserved for daughters of dads named Alan, but is now much more widespread. It came into prominence via model/actress/celeb spouse Alana Hamilton Stewart.
  3. Malia

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian variation of Mary

    • Meaning:

      "bitter"

    • Description:

      Malia rose up the charts back in 2009 when it was brought into the spotlight as the name of the Obama's eldest daughter. It leapt into the US Top 200, and while it hasn't reached that level of popularity again, it now sees steady usage, and is given to around 1100 girls every year.
  4. Naia

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian, Greek, Basque

    • Meaning:

      "dolphin; to flow; wave, sea foam"

    • Description:

      A multicultural option that's equally intriguing but more unusual than Maia. Connected to water and the ocean, it is a Top 100 choice in Spain and Puerto Rico and has been rising up the charts in France and the UK in recent years. Alternative (and equally multicultural) spelling alternative Nya has also proved popular.
  5. Leilani

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "heavenly flower"

    • Description:

      Lyrical, lively and bold, Leilani is a name that feels fresh, floral, and summery. Sharing sounds with the popular Lillian, Layla and Luna, Leilani joined the US Top 100 in 2020.
  6. Leia

    • Origin:

      Variation of Leah, Laya, or Leya, Portuguese, Spanish, English, Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "weary; the law; dissolution"

    • Description:

      Most familiar in the English speaking world as the Star Wars princess, Jedi, and leader, Leia can be considered a pop culture choice, created by George Lucas who in turn likely based it on the Biblical Leah. It has been in the US Top 1000 since the mid-2000s and is also a popular choice in the UK and Sweden.
  7. Kona

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian or Norse

    • Meaning:

      "leeward or woman, wife"

    • Description:

      Kona is strongly associated with the Kona coffee of Hawaii. The Hawaiian word kona means "leeward" or "dry side of the island," and Kona districts are where Kona coffee is grown. It's a unisex name in Hawaii, with an appealing simple, strong sound.
  8. Kiana

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

      Kiana (or more appropriately, Quiana) is the original polyester name, coming into favor in the 1970s but then drifting downward for years before taking a surprise turn back up the charts, perhaps thanks to its resemblance to the popular Keanu.
  9. Halia

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "remembrance of a loved one, cherished memory; briny"

    • Description:

      Halia is one of Hawaii's top baby names, in the Top 50 for girls in 2021. Rare yet quietly on the rise outside of Hawaii, it was given to around 64 girls in a recent year. With its appealing meaning and approachable sound, Halia may see more use in the future.
  10. Maile

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian nature name

    • Description:

      Captivating and appealing name — a maile is a vine used to make leis — getting noticed via writer Maile Meloy. Many pronounce it ala Miley, as in Cyrus, though native Hawaiian speakers say the correct pronunciation is more like MY-lay or MY-leh.
  11. Ailani

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian, Hispanic variation of Aileen or Aylin, "high chief; shining light; of the moon"

    • Meaning:

      "high chief; shining light; of the moon"

    • Description:

      Lilting and lovely, Ailani entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2016 and was a fast climbing choice in 2024 when it rose 267 places, placing it in the Top 400 of that year. With Hawaiian, Spanish, Irish, and Turkish influence, it is an appealingly multicultural choice.
  12. Lilo

    • Origin:

      German, diminutive of Liselotte; Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "generous one"

    • Description:

      Lilo is the name of the spunky little Hawaiian girl character in the Disney movie Lilo & Stitch-- and is also Lindsay Lohan's nickname. Multi-cultural, it can be found in Hawaiian, German and Hebrew nomenclature.
  13. Noelani
  14. Lani

    • Origin:

      Variation of Elaine, English, Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining; sky, heavens, royal, majesty"

    • Description:

      Simple but substantial, Lani is surprisingly underused considering the popularity of Lainey, Leilani, Lana, and Kehlani. A multi-cultural choice with both Hawaiian and English origins, it is also used in the Philippines, possibly as a variation of the modern Laarni, or as a twist on the word langit meaning "skies, heaven", which aligns with the Hawaiian meaning too.
  15. Lala

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "laurel"

    • Description:

      If it's possible for a name to be too musical, this one is.
  16. Iolana

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "soaring like a hawk"

    • Description:

      Iolana is a hip-swaying, melodic, and unusual choice. Similar Hawaiian bird-themed choice: Iolani.
  17. Kaila

    • Origin:

      Yiddish from Hebrew Kelila

    • Meaning:

      "crown, laurel"

    • Description:

      This internationally appealing choice is related to far more popular cousin Kayla, which currently ranks at Number 115.
  18. Luanna

    • Description:

      Luanna is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a combination of the names Lou and Anna, or a variation of Luanna, which combines Latin "lux" (light) with Anna (grace). In some cases, it's considered a Hawaiian name meaning "peaceful" or "content." Luanna gained modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s. The name has a melodious quality with its flowing vowels and gentle consonants, giving it a romantic, somewhat vintage appeal. While never extremely common, Luanna offers an intriguing alternative to more popular names like Leanna, Luanne, or Luana, with similar sounds but a distinctive character.

  19. Oliana

    • Origin:

      Polynesian

    • Meaning:

      "oleander"

    • Description:

      Lilting choice. "Oleanna" is the title of a David Mamet play.
  20. Keilani

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "heaven, sky, glorious chief"

    • Description:

      Keilani is among the fastest rising girls' names in some US states, a once-unusual name perhaps popularized by its similarity to both Leilani and Kayla. Its rhythmic appeal cannot be denied.