429 Hawaiian Baby Names From The Land Of Beaches

Embrace the spirit of Aloha and the rhythms of hula.

Written by Nisha Bharatan, B.Tech Specialty: Kids Fun and Developmental ActivitiesExperience: 6 years

Nisha Bharatan is a writer with six years of experience. After completing her engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University, she did content marketing courses to complement her interest in writing. Nisha discovered her passion for writing in 2016 when she started documenting her journey into motherhood.

Read full bio of Nisha Bharatan

Edited by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

Read full bio of Shikha Thakur

Fact-checked by Trisha Chakraborty, MA, BEd Specialty: Child development & educationExperience: 5 years

Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the University of Burdwan.

Read full bio of Trisha Chakraborty

Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

With picturesque landscapes, vibrant flowers, and white sand beaches, Hawaiians have an eternal connection with the land, sea, and universe, which reflects in their names too. The rhythmic sounds of the Hawaiian baby names evoke exotic images of this landscape while staying true to the culture. Traditional Hawaiian names were primarily gender-neutral and were considered to have two meanings- one being the literal meaning, and the other a symbolic meaning. In earlier times, the babies were named by Kupuna, the eldest member of the family, right at the time of birth. The name could have appeared in the form of a sign in a dream or vision. Hence, the given name had a symbolic meaning only known to the family. It was believed that if someone outside the family knew the name's true meaning, they could harm the person who had that name. So, to protect the name bearer from potential dangers, the family kept the symbolic meaning of the name a secret.
Apart from nature, Hawaiian names are also inspired by historical events, geographical features, and moʻolelo or stories. In addition, they also gave much more importance to one's lineage and genealogy as a means to remember the familial legacy. Therefore, Hawaiians would also pick ancestral names handed down from generation to generation, and this tradition is still somewhat prevalent (1). Today, Hawaiian baby names mostly refer to nature or have positive meanings. Some such examples include Ahe meaning soft breeze; Kaiona, meaning ocean, and Lani, meaning sky. A few other modern day names are also inspired by spiritual connotations or the traits a parent may wish for the child to possess such as Oline, meaning joyful and Keone meaning God's gracious gift. Some parents even pick trendy American first names for their children. But for the middle spot, they stick to a traditional Hawaiian name. Below is our wide selection of Hawaiian baby names, along with their meanings. We’ve also added the name in alphabetical order for better navigation.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Olivia	Girl	Peace; Olive tree
Luke	Boy	Bringer of light; From Lucania; Light
Kai	Boy	Sea; Keeper of the keys; Shell; Pier; From the sea
Kehlani	Girl	Sea and sky; The heavens
Alani	Girl	Little rock; Handsome; Orange tree or orange fruit; Peaceful; Fragrant
Alana	Girl	Harmony; Offering; Beautiful; Exalted; Precious; Child
Kailani	Girl	Sea; Sky; Heaven; The royal one
Kaylani	Girl	Ocean and sky
Leia	Girl	Weary; Heavenly child
Malani	Girl	She who is from the sky; Garland

Makai	Boy	Who is like God; Ocean
Koa	Boy	Warrior; Koa tree
Alanna	Girl	Harmony; Offering; Beautiful; Exalted; Precious; Child
Nalani	Girl	Serenity of the skies; Calm skies; The heavens; Royal
Aliana	Girl	Torch; Corposant; Moon; Sun; Most Holy; Noble and gracious
Keilani	Girl	Heaven; Sky; Glorious chief; Royal one
Kiana	Girl	Ancient; Divine; Goddesslike; Essence
Kahlani	Unisex	Sea; Sky
Meilani	Girl	Heavenly flower; Dark; Heavenly May
Alannah	Girl	Harmony; Offering; Beautiful; Exalted; Precious; Child

Lailani	Girl	Heavenly flowers; Heavenly garland of flowers; Royal child
Kaleah	Girl	Joy; Happiness
Aylani	Unisex	Chief; Orange tree
Laylani	Unisex	Heavenly flowers; Royal child
Maleni	Unisex	Dark; Black; Sky; Heaven
Khalani	Unisex	Sea and sky; Earth
Leylani	Unisex	Heavenly flowers; Royal child
Khai	Boy	Crowned; Royalty; Ocean
Kianna	Girl	Ancient; Divine; Goddesslike; Essence
Jaylani	Unisex	Sea; Ocean; Heaven

Keoni	Boy	God is gracious
Kalea	Girl	Joy; Happiness
Noelani	Girl	Heavenly mist
Naylani	Girl	The heavens; The Chiefs;
Alanah	Unisex	Little rock; Handsome; Precious; My child; Harmony; Elevated
Luana	Girl	Lion; Happiness
Keyon	Boy	Homeland; To construct; Respect; Strong; God is gracious
Kaliah	Unisex	Beloved
Makoa	Boy	Fearless; Courageous; Aggressive
Anylah	Unisex	Air; Wind; Heavenly messenger; Angel

Alakai	Unisex	The leader
Naia	Girl	Wave; Sea foam; Aspiration; Wish; Desire; Dolphin; To flow
Kaelani	Unisex	Sea and sky; Majestic
Armoni	Unisex	Of the palace; Palatial
Ailany	Unisex	Chief
Kekoa	Boy	The warrior; Koa tree
Kamaya	Girl	Precious one
Kaleia	Girl	Curled flower; Twisted flower
Lani	Girl	Sky; Heaven; Royal; Hope; Wool; Lion
Keion	Boy	Lion; Of Zeus; The homeland; To construct; Strong; Respect

Kahlia	Girl	Desire; Flowers
Maylani	Unisex	Heavenly flower
Kayloni	Girl	Ocean sky
Lulu	Girl	Pearl; Famous warrior; Light; Precious; Peaceful
Bane	Boy	Ban; Bear; Cause of distress; Long-awaited child
Kalena	Girl	Pure; Flower
Maelani	Girl	Heavenly; Dark; Black
Mailani	Girl	A gift from the heavens; A gift from God
Nakai	Unisex	Quieted; Pacified; The seas; Middle pit or well; Wanderer
Moana	Girl	Ocean; Vast expanse of water

Kalayah	Unisex	Lost; Joy; Happiness; Field pea
Calia	Unisex	The flower wreath; Beloved; Very beautiful
Kaloni	Girl	Sky; The royal one
Ohana	Girl	Family
Alanie	Unisex	Graceful; Orange tree
Ikaika	Unisex	Strong
Leiana	Girl	To bind; Climbing vine; Soft; Tender; Delicate; Wreath
Malea	Girl	Flower; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved
Aulani	Girl	King's messenger; Messenger of a chief; Royal messenger
Alany	Unisex	Orange tree; Orange fruit; Little rock; Handsome

Kanoa	Boy	The free one
Kyon	Boy	Dog; The homeland
Lelani	Girl	Heavenly flowers; Royal child
Jaylanie	Unisex	Victory; Heaven; Sky; Royalty
Kale	Boy	Man; Army; Beautiful victory; Cultivator; Slender
Nakoa	Unisex	Warrior; Brave
Alaynah	Girl	Little female bear; Wisdom; Knowledge; Harmony; Offering; Beautiful; Exalted; Precious; Child; Light
Kyleah	Unisex	Narrows; Channel; Strait; Happiness
Ailana	Girl	Halo; Moonlight; Loving
Aliannah	Girl	Torch; Corposant; Sun; Most holy

Kamea	Girl	The one and only
Aolani	Girl	Cloud; Heaven; Sky
Kanai	Boy	Warrior; Gold; Metal; Money; Fanatic
Leilana	Girl	A flower that grows in heaven; Royal child; Majesty
Maile	Girl	A vine or a shrub
Mylani	Girl	My heaven; Gentle caress
Anuhea	Unisex	Cool or soft fragrance
Maui	Boy	Name of a demigod; Trickster god
Kona	Boy	Leeward; Small name; Small offering; Peak; Woman;Wife
Maylie	Unisex	Gracious; Dear; Soldier; Wildflower

Miliani	Girl	Gentle caress
Male	Boy	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved
Meliah	Girl	Brave; Vigorous; Unceasing
Maleyah	Girl	Love; Beloved; Rebelliousness; Sea of bitterness
Hani	Boy	Happy; Carefree; To move lightly; To touch
Kaylanie	Unisex	Sea; Heaven
Lui	Boy	Light; From Lucania; Famous warrior; Thunder
Luanna	Girl	Happiness; Famous warrior; Grace
Malana	Girl	Light; Buoyant
Alliana	Girl	Torch; Moon; Sun; Most holy

1 2 3 … 5 »

Hawaiian baby names serve as an articulate representation of the region’s history, culture, and traditions. Rooted in nature, ancestors, spirituality, and royalty, these names convey a deep sense of belonging and respect for the natural world and ancestral lineage. While embracing modern influences, Hawaiians continue to cherish their naming customs as a means of preserving their unique identity and cultural legacy for future generations. The above-listed names are a few such culturally significant names with generous meanings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Hawaiian names mean love, angel, and beautiful?

Hawaiian names such as Aloha, Kealoha, Kaleikaumaka, and Kealohapauʻole bear meanings such as love, the beloved child, or loved one. In addition, we have Anela, which means angel. Finally, names such as Ani, Leinani, and Kaili mean beautiful.

2. What are some Hawaiian baby names starting with the letter "N"?

Hawaiian baby names such as Nani (glory, beauty), Noa (rest, repose), Noelani (heavenly mist), Nalu (wave, surf), and Nanea (fascinating, interesting) start with N and have profound and beautiful meanings.

3. What are some Hawaiian baby names inspired by the ocean?

The ocean plays an important role in influencing Hawaiian baby names. Names such as Moana (ocean, deep sea), Makai (toward the sea), and Puakai (ocean flower) are inspired by the magnificent water body.

4. What are some Hawaiian baby names with historical significance?

Several unique Hawaiian names bear historical significance. These may include Kamehameha (inspired by Kamehameha the Great, who united the Hawaiian islands) (1), Liliʻuokalani (inspired by the only queen and last sovereign monarch of the Hawaiian kingdom) (2), and Lunalilo (inspired by William Charles Lunalilo, a monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom who wrote the kingdom's national anthem) (3).

5. What are some gender-neutral or unisex Hawaiian baby names?

Several Hawaiian baby names can be used for both genders, some of them include Kai (sea), Kalani (the heavens), Leilani (heavenly flowers), Māui (name of a mythological character), Moana (ocean, deep sea), and Pua (flower).

6. What are some Hawaiian baby names for twins?

Some name pairs such as Kai-kainalu (sea-wave), Oliwa-Onaona (olive-softly fragrant), Ahonui-Aloha (patience-love), and Pua-Nani (flower-beauty) may be suitable for twin babies.

Infographic: Nature-Inspired Hawaiian Baby Names With Meanings

Hawaiian baby names are known to draw inspiration from the island's lush landscapes. These names, with profound meanings, showcase the region's history and cultural practices. The following infographic explores some of the most notable and exquisite Hawaiian names you may consider for your baby.

enlivening hawaiian names for boys and girls (infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Kamehameha the Great
https://www.nps.gov/puhe/learn/historyculture/kamehameha.htm
Queen Lili'uokalani
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/queen-lili-uokalani.htm
He aliʻi komo mua : a glimpse into the life of King William Charles Lunalilo
https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/items/ad32721a-88ea-49fb-99e8-e56cb88f966f/full

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.