Are you looking for a list of Hawaiian baby names? The Hawaiian language is a beautiful one, and it is possible to find a number of Hawaiian baby names with meanings that will suit the personality of your baby. Hawaiian baby names are names that are in the Hawaiian language. True traditional Hawaiian names are unisex in nature, although names have evolved in such a way that girls typically have certain names, as do boys.
Traditional Hawaiian Names
Traditionally, names have been carefully chosen in the Hawaiian culture by elders, a close family member, or the new parents. All traditional Hawaiian names are genderless and were subject to change later as life circumstances changed.
Where Traditional Hawaiian Names Originate
There are six basic sources for traditional Hawaiian baby names:
- inoa po - a name received by the new parents or a family member in a dream
- inoa ho'ailona - name received in a vision or mystical sign
- inoa 'ulaleo - a name heard from a mystical voice
- inoa ho'omanao - a name given to commemorate an event
- inoa kupuna - a name handed down from an ancestor
- inoa ewe - a name based on the baby's personality traits
Traditional Hawaiian Baby Names
These traditional names are perfect for Hawaiian babies.
- Ailani - (high chief)
- Aolani - (a heavenly cloud)
- Eleu - (alert, lively)
- Ikaika - (strong, powerful)
- Kamea - (the one and only)
- Keilani - (glorious chief)
- Koa - (brave, fearless)
- Lulua 'ina - (freckles)
- Makana - (gift)
- Malie - (calm)
- Nani - (beautiful)
- Polunu - (chubby)
- Ualoheke Akua - (God has listened)
Gender Neutral Hawaiian Baby Names
These names work for boys or girls.
- A'ala - (fragrant)
- Ahe - (softly blowing breeze)
- Ahuahu - (healthy)
- A'ia'i - (bright like the moon)
- 'Ailana - (island)
- Ainakea - (white land)
- Akahi - (for the first time)
- 'Akau - (north or right)
- Io lani - (royal hawk)
- Makani - (the wind)
- 'Olina - (joyful)
Hawaiian Middle Names for Girls and Boys
Consider gifting your child with a beautiful Hawaiian middle name.
- Ali'ikai - (queen/king of the Sea)
- Inoa - (namesake)
- Ka Hiwa - (sacred vine)
- Kamea - (the one and only)
- Kaulana - (famous)
- Kealoha - (the loved one)
- Keone - (the sand)
- Ku`u Hoaloha `Oi - (my best friend)
- Ku`u Maka - (the apple of my eye)
- Hali'a - (remembrance of a loved one)
- Hiapo - (first born)
- Maka - (favorite one)
- Pilialoha - (close friend)
- Punahele - (favorite)
Hawaiian Baby Names for Girls
In 2017 the most popular girl names in Hawaii weren't Hawaiian names at all, they include Emma, Olivia, and Aria. However, some of the top 100 girl names are still Hawaiian. Many modern parents choose a Hawaiian name as their daughter's middle name paired with a common first name. Whatever name you choose a for your little girl, it's sure to sound beautiful.
Popular Girl Names in Hawaii
- Kaia - (fast asleep)
- Leilani - (heavenly child)
- Kailani - (beach and sky)
- Kalena - (radiate)
- Mahina - (moon)
Heavenly Hawaiian Names for Girls
- Alana - (awakening)
- Anela - (angel)
- Aolani - (heavenly cloud)
- Edena - (Eden)
- Heiau - (temple)
- Iolani - (bird of heaven)
- Kaili - (departing spirit)
- Kalea - (prayers)
- Laka - (Goddess of the hula)
- Lani - (heaven or sky)
- Lani-kai - (heavenly beach)
- Mana'o - (thoughts)
- Na'au - (heart and mind)
- Nalani - (the heavens)
- Noelani - (heavenly mist or a beautiful girl from heaven)
- Pele - (Volcano goddess)
- Pule - (prayer)
Hawaiian Nature Names for Girls
- Alaula - (light of dawn)
- Anuenue - (rainbow)
- Haleakala - (house of the rising sun)
- Iolana - (to soar like an eagle)
- Kailua - (two seas)
- Kalama - (flaming torch)
- Kumulāʻau - (tree)
- Moana - (ocean)
- Palila - (bird)
- Pōhaku - (rock)
- Wai nani - (beautiful water)
Hawaiian Flower Names for Babies
- Kapua - (blossom)
- Kiele - (gardenia)
- Lei - (Path of Lei's)
- Lokelani - (small red rose)
- Oliana - (oleander)
- Pikake - (jasmine)
- Pua - (flower)
- Pualani - (heavenly flower)
- Roselani - (red rose)
Hawaiian Names With Special Meaning for Girls
- Apikaila - (form of Abigail)
- Ahonui - (patience)
- Alamea - (precious, volcanic stone)
- Aloha - (love)
- Alohi - (brilliant)
- Hanohano - (noble)
- Hoʻomana - (adored)
- Ka'ahumanu - (bird cloak)
- Ka mea ʻimi - (the seeker)
- Kanani - (beautiful)
- Kanoa - (hollow of land)
- Ke'ala - (the path)
- Keandra - (meaning unknown)
- Konane - (bright moonlight)
- Lili'uokalani - (high born)
- Malie - (calm)
- Malu - (peacefulness)
- Mele - (poem)
- Mino'aka - (smile)
- Nani kōkī - (supremely beautiful)
- Peni - (penny)
- Uluwehi - (growing in beauty)
- Wena - (glow)
Hawaiian Baby Boy Names
The top baby boy names in 2017 in Hawaii weren't Hawaiian at all and include Liam, Noah, and Mason, but a few Hawaiian names did make the Top 100 list. Choosing a baby boy name from Hawaiian options usually involves picking out names with a more masculine sound or meaning.
Popular Boy Names in Hawaii
- Kai - (sea)
- Kainalu - (surf)
- Kaimana - (beach)
- Kainoa - (place)
- Kaleo - (saying, expression)
Strong Hawaiian Names for Boys
- Alaka'i - (guide or leader)
- Alekanekeio - (defending man)
- Ano - (awe, reverence)
- Haoa - (hot as the sun)
- He pohaku - (stone)
- Ikaika - (strong)
- Ka'eo - (strong zealous)
- Kalākaua - (the day of battle)
- Kanakamana - (powerful man)
- Kane - (man)
- Kekoa - (the coral)
- Koa ikaika - (strong warrior)
- Lokela - (famous warrior)
- Makaʻala - (vigilant)
- Nikolao - (Nicholas)
Heavenly Hawaiian Names for Boys
- Akau - (god)
- Apekalmoa - (my father is peace)
- Iokepa - (St. Joseph)
- Ionakana - (God gives, form of Jonathon)
- Kalani - (of the heavens)
- Kamehameha - (the lonely one)
- Kealakekua - (pathway of the gods)
- Keona - (God's gracious gift)
- Kimokea - (honoring God)
- Lono - (God of the harvest)
- Mana - (divine power)
- Mililani - (to praise)
- Pukalani - (heavenly gate)
Hawaiian Nature Names for Boys
- Alapai - (coastal area)
- Aukai - (seafarer)
- Hema - (south)
- Kahikū - (star)
- Kalama - (the torch)
- Keola - (life)
- Kiele - (gardenia)
- Koukakala - (dark river)
- La - (the sun)
- Mahi'ai - (farmer)
- Makani - (the wind)
- Mamo - (yellow bird)
- Manu - (bird)
- Nahele - (forest)
- Oliwa - (olive tree)
- Onaona - (sweet fragrance)
Hawaiian Names With Special Meaning for Boys
- Akamu - (form of Adam)
- Akiliano - (from Hadria)
- Akoni - (a form of Anthony)
- Alika - (a form of Alec)
- Alebana -(from the city of Alba)
- Alo - (the face)
- Aloiki - (renowned war)
- Amosa - (strong, form of Amos)
- Apela - (old)
- Ekewaka - (form of Edward)
- Havika - (beloved)
- Hauoli - (happiness)
- Iki - (small)
- Kahale - (home)
- Kaholo - (swift)
- Kaipo - (sweetheart)
- Kapu - (forbidden)
- Kawika - (form of David)
- Keaka - (theater)
- Keawe - (southern star)
- Kekapa - (the cloth)
- Kimo - (form of James)
- Konane - (bright moonlight)
- Ku - (god of prosperity)
- Lopaka - (shining fame, form of Robert)
- Māhoe - (twin)
- Meka - (eyes, beloved one)
- Nohea - (handsome)
- Pakelika - (noble, form of Patrick)
- Palani - (sour)
The Beauty in Baby Names
Whether you're from Hawaii, looking to connect with your Hawaiian roots, or just love the sound of these beautiful names, there's a Hawaiian name that's perfect for your baby. Keep in mind all of these names are technically considered genderless, so any name can work for any child.
