Hawaiian Girl Names

Leilani

Hawaiian

"heavenly flower"

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. Derived from the…

Alana

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

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

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…

Ailani

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

"high chief; shining light; of the moon"

Lilting and lovely, Ailani entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2016 and was a fast climbing choice in 2024 and 2025 when it climbed more than 400 places up the charts to rank in the Top 200…

Kaia

Latin, Scandinavian, or Hawaiian

"to rejoice or sea"

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…

Leia

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

"weary; the law; dissolution"

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…

Malia

Hawaiian variation of Mary

"bitter"

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…

Keilani

Hawaiian

"heaven, sky, glorious chief"

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.

Kiana

Modern invented name

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…

Kaila

Yiddish from Hebrew Kelila

"crown, laurel"

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

Loni

Variation of Leona

In baby name limbo along with Ronni, Connie, and Bonnie.

Lala

Slavic

"laurel"

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

Lani

Variation of Elaine, English, Hawaiian

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

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…

Nana

English, Greek, Hawaiian, Japanese

"grace; God is gracious; spring, beauty; vegetable, greens"

To most English speakers, Nana is the dog in Peter Pan , the daughter played by Emma Stone in Crazy Stupid Love , and another name for Grandma, however, it is also a diminutive of Nancy and Anna…

Auli'i

Hawaiian, 'dainty, cute, neat'

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…

Elikapeka

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…

Halia

Hawaiian, Greek

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

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…