140 Hawaiian Baby Names for Boys and Girls

Aloha! When it comes to picking a name for your little one, there are few places on earth as rich in culture and tradition as Hawaii.

Hawaiian names are deeply rooted in the history and mythology of the islands, often inspired by nature and the beautiful surroundings.

Whether you’re of Hawaiian descent or simply drawn to the unique beauty of Hawaiian names, there are plenty of options to choose from.

We’ll explore the rich history and meanings behind some of the most popular and beautiful Hawaiian baby names, as well as provide some tips for choosing the perfect name for your little aloha.

Why Choose a Hawaiian Name

Cultural Appreciation

Hawaiian names are deeply rooted in the rich culture and history of the Hawaiian Islands.

By selecting a Hawaiian name, you can show respect and appreciation for the indigenous people of Hawaii and their traditions.

Connection to Nature

Many Hawaiian names are inspired by the natural world, including names related to flowers, plants, animals, and elements of nature.

These names can evoke a sense of beauty, tranquility, and a strong connection to the environment.

Melodic and Poetic

Hawaiian names often have a lyrical quality with pleasant vowel sounds and rhythmic patterns.

They can be beautiful to pronounce and hear, adding a poetic touch to your child’s name.

Uniqueness

If you’re looking for a name that stands out and is less common, Hawaiian names can offer a refreshing alternative.

While some names may be familiar due to popular culture, there is still a wide array of unique options to choose from.

Spiritual and Symbolic Meanings

Many Hawaiian names have deep meanings associated with spirituality, virtues, or significant life concepts.

These names can imbue your child’s identity with a sense of purpose and reflect values that are important to you.

Multicultural Background

If you or your family have Hawaiian or Polynesian heritage, choosing a Hawaiian name can help maintain a connection to your roots and honor your cultural background.

Traditional vs. Modern Hawaiian Names: Which One to Choose?

Traditional

Traditional Hawaiian names have deep cultural and historical roots, often inspired by nature, mythology, or significant events.

Traditional Girl Hawaiian names

1. Leilani – “heavenly flowers”
2. Kaia – “the sea”
3. Halia – “remembrance of a loved one”
4. Mahina – “moon”
5. Kailani – “sea and sky”
6. Malia – “calm and gentle”
7. Nalani – “the heavens”
8. Kalea – “joy, happiness”
9. Kiana – “divine, heavenly”
10. Pua – “flower”
11. Aolani – “heavenly cloud”
12. Kaila – “style, fashion”
13. Iolana – “to soar like a hawk”
14. Lani – “sky, heaven”
15. Nani – “beauty”
16. Miliani – “gentle caress”
17. Mahie – “earth worker, farmer”
18. Nohea – “lovely, beautiful”
19. Makana – “gift”
20. Mele – “song”

Traditional Boy Hawaiian names

1. Kai – “sea”
2. Keanu – “cool breeze”
3. Makai – “towards the sea”
4. Koa – “warrior”
5. Nalu – “wave”
6. Kekoa – “brave one”
7. Kaleo – “voice”
8. Liko – “bud, sprout”
9. Ikaika – “strong, powerful”
10. Keoni – “God is gracious”
11. Mana – “spiritual power”
12. Kaimana – “diamond on the sea”
13. Nui – “big, great”
14. Makaio – “gift of God”
15. Keahi – “flames”
16. Kaulana – “famous”
17. Ikaia – “God is my salvation”
18. Kamalu – “quiet warrior”
19. Pono – “righteousness”
20. Kaipo – “sweetheart”

Modern

Modern Hawaiian names, on the other hand, have emerged in recent years as a way to honor Hawaiian culture while also reflecting contemporary trends and tastes.

Modern Girl Hawaiian names

1. Kailani – “sea and sky”
2. Malie – “calm, serene”
3. Iolana – “to soar like a hawk”
4. Laniyah – “heavenly”
5. Kiana – “divine, heavenly”
6. Leimomi – “pearl lei”
7. Keilani – “glorious chief”
8. Mahina – “moon”
9. Noe – “mist, misty rain”
10. Alaula – “light of dawn”
11. Lokelani – “small rose”
12. Kehlani – “sea and sky”
13. Halia – “remembrance of a loved one”
14. Māhealani – “moonlight”
15. Anela – “angel”
16. Kalia – “beauty”
17. Kaila – “style, fashion”
18. Meilani – “heavenly flower”
19. Nāia – “dolphin”
20. Kāhea – “call, voice”

Modern Boy Hawaiian names

1. Kairos – “opportune moment”
2. Kekoa – “warrior”
3. Makai – “towards the sea”
4. Nalu – “wave”
5. Kohana – “swift”
6. Keoni – “God is gracious”
7. Keanu – “cool breeze”
8. Keahi – “fire”
9. Keola – “life”
10. Aukai – “explorer of the sea”
11. Kaimana – “diamond on the sea”
12. Makani – “wind”
13. Kaius – “rejoice”
14. Kekai – “the sea”
15. Koa – “strong, brave”
16. Manu – “bird”
17. Ikaia – “God is my salvation”
18. Kaleo – “sound, voice”
19. Liko – “bud, sprout”
20. Iokepa – “Joseph”

Hawaiian Place-Inspired Name

These names draw inspiration from various Hawaiian places and reflect their unique cultural and geographical characteristics.

Each name has its own significance and connection to the specific location it represents.

1. Maui – “great warrior”
2. Hilo – “twisted”
3. Lanai – “porch, veranda”
4. Waimea – “red water”
5. Kauai – “place of heroes”
6. Molokai – “spear”
7. Haleakala – “house of the sun”
8. Kaanapali – “distant heavenly light”
9. Kahului – “the port”
10. Waipio – “curved water”
11. Lahaina – “cruel sun”
12. Kailua – “two seas, two currents”
13. Kealakekua – “pathway to God”
14. Pahoa – “dagger”
15. Kapalua – “arms embracing the sea”
16. Kona – “lady”
17. Hanalei – “crescent bay”
18. Kahana – “stand tall”
19. Waikoloa – “fertile water”
20. Wailua – “two waters”
21. Kekaha – “the place”
22. Hana – “work, craft”
23. Naalehu – “the volcanic ashes”
24. Mauna Kea – “white mountain”
25. Waikiki – “spouting water”
26. Punaluu – “diving spring”
27. Niihau – “the forbidden”
28. Waialua – “two waters”
29. Hanapepe – “crushed bay”
30. Makawao – “sharp eyes”

Unique Hawaiian Names

These names are rare and unique, offering a distinctive and memorable choice for a Hawaiian-inspired name for your baby.

Unique Girl Hawaiian names

1. Lokina – “the strength”
2. Kaikala – “sea spray”
3. Laniwe – “heavenly joy”
4. Haliau – “memory, remembrance”
5. Anuhea – “cool breeze”
6. Mahinamana – “glowing moon”
7. Kaililani – “glorious ocean”
8. Iolaniwai – “heavenly waters”
9. Kehaulani – “heavenly dew”
10. Kalapu – “creative force”
11. Makanani – “gentle wind”
12. Haealani – “shining mist”
13. Miliani – “gentle caress”
14. Kahanuola – “the breath of life”
15. Pualani – “heavenly flower”

Unique Boy Hawaiian names

1. Kahanu – “the breath, the scent”
2. Kekaulike – “the supreme lord”
3. Nainoa – “knowledgeable, skilled”
4. Keanalei – “heavenly breeze”
5. Kahili – “royal feather standard”
6. Lonoikamakahiki – “Lono at the time of the New Year”
7. Ikaikakane – “strong man”
8. Mahinalani – “moonlight”
9. Kekipi – “the rebel, the defiant one”
10. Kauakahi – “solitary traveler”
11. Iolana – “to soar like a hawk”
12. Makaniho’omalu – “sheltering wind”
13. Kepano – “the rock, the steadfast one”
14. Kaipo’o – “cherished one, beloved”
15. Mana’olana – “hope, aspiration”

Conclusion

Hawaiian names are deeply meaningful and diverse, with both traditional and modern interpretations.

It is clear that regardless of the origin, Hawaiian names reflect the rich heritage and unique culture of Hawaii.

With their stunningly beautiful words inspired by nature, love of family and faith in a higher power, these timeless Hawaiian names make an inspired choice for honoring loved ones or bestowing a treasured gift on someone special.

By selecting a meaningful Hawaiian name you are not only celebrating your own cultural background but also the history and culture of Hawaii itself.

Whether given as part of a special ceremony or just chosen to honor an individual or an occasion, Hawaiian names remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.