Hawaiian Girl Names
- Ailani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"chief"Description:
Lilting and lovely. Entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2016.
- Alana
Origin:
Feminization of Alan, Irish; variation of Ilana, Hebrew; Gaelic; HawaiianMeaning:
"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.
- Auli'i
Origin:
Hawaiian, 'dainty, cute, neat'Description:
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 two I's makes it a somewhat tough sell off the islands, though Cravalho's stunning performance of "How Far I'll Go" at the 2017 Oscars is almost winning enough to overcome that.
- Alamea
- Aulani
- 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.
- Halia
Origin:
Hawaiian, GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Haukea
- Honalei
- Iolana
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"soaring like a hawk"Description:
Iolana is a hip-swaying, melodic, and unusual choice. Similar Hawaiian bird-themed choice: Iolani.
- Ioke
- Kaia
Origin:
Latin, Scandinavian, or HawaiianMeaning:
"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.
- Kaila
Origin:
Yiddish from Hebrew KelilaMeaning:
"crown, laurel"Description:
This internationally appealing choice is related to far more popular cousin Kayla, which currently ranks at Number 115.
- Kaimana
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"the power of the ocean"Description:
This Hawaiian name gracefully celebrates the force of nature, paying tribute to the ocean. If you're looking for unique names that mean ocean, this should be on your short list.
- Kalena
Origin:
Hawaiian or Danish variation of Katherine or KarenMeaning:
"pure"Description:
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.
- Keilani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"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.
- Kiana
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
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.
- Kiele
Description:
Kiele is a feminine name with Hawaiian origins, typically pronounced as "kee-EH-leh." In Hawaiian, it means 'fragrant blossom' or can refer specifically to the gardenia flower, which holds cultural significance in Hawaii. The name embodies natural beauty and the tropical essence of the islands. Beyond Hawaii, Kiele has gained modest recognition through occasional use in popular culture. Its exotic sound and straightforward pronunciation make it accessible to non-Hawaiian speakers while maintaining its cultural authenticity. The name provides a subtle connection to Hawaiian heritage without being among the more commonly appropriated Hawaiian names. Kiele appeals to parents drawn to nature-inspired names with genuine cultural roots and a melodic quality that works well in diverse linguistic settings.
- Kina
Origin:
Hawaiian, SwedishMeaning:
"short form"Description:
The Hawaiian form of Gina or Tina (as well as the word for the country China), or in Swedish, a short form of Katharina or Kristina.
- Kona
Origin:
Hawaiian or NorseMeaning:
"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.