Hawaiian Names
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I absolutely love Hawaiian names, and I don't know who wouldn't.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Akamu
- Aolani
- Bane
- Hale
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"someone who lives in a hollow"Description:
This name projects a sense of well-being - hale and hearty - is unusual but accessible, with a clear simple sound, and a worthy namesake, Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale, as an added bonus.
- 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.
- Hailama
- Hau'oli
- Hawika
- 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.
- Iolana
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"soaring like a hawk"Description:
Iolana is a hip-swaying, melodic, and unusual choice. Similar Hawaiian bird-themed choice: Iolani.
- Iokia
- Ipo
- Kai
Origin:
Hawaiian, Frisian, ChineseMeaning:
"sea; warrior; triumph"Description:
Kai is an internationally flexible name with many possible origins and meanings, growing in popularity in the US and a diverse range of European countries.
- 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.
- Kalani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"the heavens"Description:
Kalani is a rhythmic name that can be used for either gender though it is predominantly used on girls in the US. With its celestial meaning, and cool K beginning, it only entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2015. Now in the Top 400, it joins Kai and Leilani as popular choices with Hawaiian origins.
- Kale
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Whether you think of it as Cale with a K, or a pet form of Kalen or Kaleb, this is just the kind of short, synthetic name finding a lot of favor now, but remember -- it's also the name of a vegetable.
- Kalea
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"joy, happiness"Description:
Kalea is a Top 100 name for girls in Hawaii, that may also be spelled as Kale'a. Sources differ on the meaning of the name, but the most authoritative land on "joy or happiness", with other suggestions being "clear", "call, voice", "the bright one" or a combination of other Hawaiian names, such as Kalani and Leilani.