Baby Names 50 Hawaiian Baby Names Learn the meaning and origins of popular Hawaiian baby names By Wendy Rose Gould linkedin Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle reporter with over a decade of experience covering health and wellness topics. Learn about our editorial process Wendy Rose Gould Fact checked by Fact checked by Daniella Amato on June 15, 2021 Daniella Amato is a biomedical scientist and fact checker with expertise in pharmaceuticals and clinical research. Learn about our editorial process Daniella Amato Updated on July 02, 2021 Print Getty Images / iShootPhotosLLC About 1500 years ago, Polynesians made their way to a collection of islands in the Pacific Ocean and established what we now know as Hawaii. Over time, they developed the unique art, food, and even religions in Hawaii that make it such an iconic place in the world today. While browsing this list of Hawaiian baby names for boys and girls, you might notice that many of them sound quite similar. This is largely because the Hawaiian language uses an abbreviated alphabet which consists of only 12 letters — seven consonants (h, k, l, m, n, p, w) and five vowels (a, e, i, o, u). Popular Hawaiian Baby Names for Girls Here are some popular and unique Hawaiian baby names for girls along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information. Alamea Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Precious, whole Peak Popularity: Alamea is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States. Alana Origin: Hawaiian, Gaelic, Irish Meaning: An offering Alternative Spellings & Variations: Lana, Allana, Alanna Famous Namesakes: Alanna Goldie, Canadian fencer; Alannah Currie, New Zealand musician Peak Popularity: The name Alana began peaking in the mid-1980s and is still trending. Alohi Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Shining, brilliant Peak Popularity: Alohi is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States. Fun Fact: Though it sounds similar to the Hawaiian greeting Aloha, the two are entirely different words! Halia Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Remembrance of a loved one Famous Namesakes: Halia Beamer, internet celebrity Peak Popularity: Halia is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States, however in 2020 it was 37th in popularity for a girl's name in Hawaii. Haukea Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: White snow Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kea Peak Popularity: Haukea is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States. Fun Fact: This name is two words combined: hau, which means snow, and kea, which means white. Kailani Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Sea and sky, sea and heaven Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kalani, Kalanie, Kaila Famous Namesakes: Kailani Craine, Australian figure skater Peak Popularity: Kailani is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States, however in 2020 was 61st in popularity for names in Hawaii. Fun Fact: Kai means sea, and lani means heaven or sky. Kaia Origin: Hawaiian, Greek Meaning: The sea Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kiya, Kai Famous Namesakes: Kaia Gerber, American model; Kaia Iva, Estonian politician Peak Popularity: Kai is currently experiencing a surge in popularity, which began in the 2010s. Luana Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Enjoyment Alternative Spellings & Variations: Lulu, Lu, Ana Famous Namesakes: Luana, Italian singer-songwriter and co-founder of Belladonna Peak Popularity: Luana was particularly popular in the United States from 1940 to 1950. Fun Fact: Luana is also the name of an Iowa town in the continental United States. Kalei Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Flower wreath, happiness Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kali, Cali, Kaleigh Peak Popularity: Kailei is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States. Kali Origin: Hawaiian, African, Greek, Hindi Meaning: Rosebud Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kalie Famous Namesakes: Kali Rocha, American actress Peak Popularity: Kali was most popular in the United States from the mid-1990s to 2015. Keala Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Pathway Alternative Spellings & Variations: None Famous Namesakes: Keala Kennelly, American surfer; Keala Settle, American singer Peak Popularity: Kali was most popular in the United States from 1990 to 2000. Makani Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Wind Alternative Spellings & Variations: None Famous Namesakes: Makani Harrelson, daughter of actor Woody Harrelson Peak Popularity: Makani is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States. Fun Fact: The name Makani is technically unisex, as are many Hawaiian names. Lana Origin: Greek, Hawaiian Meaning: Light, floating Alternative Spellings & Variations: Alana, Lonna Famous Namesakes: Lana Del Rey, singer; Lana Turner, actress Peak Popularity: Lana was most popular in the United States from 1940 to 1970. In 1948, roughly 1450 girls were given this name in the U.S. Leia Origin: English, Hebrew, Hawaiian Meaning: Lioness Alternative Spellings & Variations: Lea, Leigh, Leah, Leyah Famous Namesakes: Léia Scheinvar, botanist Peak Popularity: Leia reached height popularity in the United States in the mid-2010s. Fun Fact: You might recognize this name from the Star Wars franchise, but the name dates back to biblical times. Lokelani Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Small red rose Alternative Spellings & Variations: Loki, Lani Famous Namesakes: Lokelani McMichael, American triathlete Peak Popularity: Lokelani is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States. Fun Fact: The lokelani, a small red rose, is the official flower of the Hawaiian island of Maui. Loni Origin: English, Hawaiian Meaning: Sky Alternative Spellings & Variations: Lonnie Famous Namesakes: Loni Anderson, actress Peak Popularity: Loni has never been a popular name, but it did see a small spike in the 1980s. Leilani Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Heavenly wreath Alternative Spellings & Variations: Leila, Lani Famous Namesakes: Leilani Rose De Marco, dancer; Leilani Jones, stage actress. Peak Popularity: Leilani started gaining popularity in the United States in the 1990s and continues to peak. It was the 29th most popular name given to girls in 2020. Fun Fact: Leilani combines two words in the Hawaiian language: lei, which means wreath, and lani, which means heavenly. Lilo Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Generous one Alternative Spellings & Variations: None Famous Namesakes: Lilo Ramdohr, member of the White Rose resistance group in Nazi Germany Peak Popularity: Lilo is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States. Fun Fact: You might recognize the name Lilo from the famous cartoon duo, Lilo and Stitch, which is set in Hawaii! Malia Origin: Hawaiian, Spanish Meaning: Rebelliousness, brave, diligent Alternative Spellings & Variations: Famous Namesakes: Malia Obama, President Obama’s daughter; Malia Jones, American model Peak Popularity: Malia has skyrocketed in popularity since 2008, largely because it is the name of President Barack Obama’s oldest daughter. Mililani Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Praise, exalt Alternative Spellings & Variations: Milly, Mili, Lani Famous Namesakes: None Peak Popularity: Mililani is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States. Fun Fact: Mililani is the name of a Hawaiian town in Honolulu County. Naia Origin: Hawaiian, Latin Meaning: Dolphin, to flow Alternative Spellings & Variations: Nya, Naya Famous Namesakes: Naia Guz Sanchez, actor; Naya Rivera, American actress Peak Popularity: Naia hasn't been a popular name in the United States, but the alternative spelling Nya, saw a small surge in the 1990s. Nalani Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Calm skies Alternative Spellings & Variations: Nala, Lani Peak Popularity: Nalani is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States. Nana Origin: Hawaiian, Spanish Meaning: Spring, grace Alternative Spellings & Variations: Nanna, Nanny, Nanette, Ana Famous Namesakes: Nana Mizuki, Japanese voice actor Peak Popularity: Nana hasn't been a popular name in the United States, but it did have a few small, random spikes in the 1800s. Fun Fact: In Hawaii, Nana is the name of both a spring month and a star. Okalani Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Heavenly Alternative Spellings & Variations: Lani Peak Popularity: Okalani is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States. Oliana Origin: Hawaiian, Spanish Meaning: Variant of oleander Alternative Spellings & Variations: Oli, Ana, Liana Peak Popularity: Oliana is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States. Popular Hawaiian Baby Names for Boys Here are some popular and unique Hawaiian baby names for boys along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information. Akamu Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Of the Earth Alternative Spellings & Variations: Aka, Kamu Peak Popularity: Akamu is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Fun Fact: This name is the equivalent of the Hebrew name, Adam. Akoni Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Too great to calculate (inestimable) Alternative Spellings & Variations: Koni Peak Popularity: Akoni is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Anakoni Origin: Hawaiian, Latin, Greek Meaning: Priceless, worthy of admiration Alternative Spellings & Variations: Anakin, Koni Peak Popularity: Anakoni is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Fun Fact: Anakoni is the Hawaiian variation of the name Anthony. Bane Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Long-awaited child Peak Popularity: Bane is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Keanu Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Cool breeze over the mountains Alternative Spellings & Variations: None Famous Namesakes: Keanu Reeves, actor Peak Popularity: The name Keanu hasn't ever been exceptionally popular in the United States, but there was a small surge in the mid-90s, likely as a result of famous actor Keanu Reeves gaining popularity himself. Keanu peaked at 512th in the U.S. in 2020, and was the 52nd most popular name in Hawaii. Kai Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: The sea Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ky, Ki, Chi Famous Namesakes: Kai Ryssdal, radio host; Kai Altair, American musician Peak Popularity: Kai started gaining momentum as a boy's name in the 1990s and continues rising in popularity. In 2020 Kai reached an all-time high rank of 93 in the U.S. and was seventh in popularity in Hawaii. Koi Origin: Hawaiian, Native American Meaning: Urge, implore Alternative Spellings & Variations: Coy Peak Popularity: Koi is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Fun Fact: Koi is also the name of a Japanese variety of carp fish. It is also considered the Hawaiian equivalent of the name Troy. Kale Origin: Hawaiian, Gaelic Meaning: Strong, manly Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kayle, Kail, Cale Famous Namesakes: Kale Ane, American football player; Kale Browne, actor Peak Popularity: Kale experienced a small surge in popularity from 1995 to 2010. Fun Fact: Though it’s pronounced differently, the word “Kale” in the English language also refers to a dark, leafy green vegetable. Kana Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: God’s judgment Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kanaiela Peak Popularity: Kana is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Fun Fact: Kana was the name of a Maui demigod who could take the form of a rope and stretch from Molokai to Hawaii. Kaleo Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: One voice Alternative Spellings & Variations: Leo Peak Popularity: Kaleo is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Fun Fact: In the Hawaiian language, Ka means “the” and Leo means “voice” or “sound.” Kekoa Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Brave one, the warrior Alternative Spellings & Variations: Keko, Keiko, Koa Famous Namesakes: None Peak Popularity: Kekoa is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. However, in 1972 it hit the baby name charts at position #1923. Makani Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Wind, breeze Alternative Spellings & Variations: Maka, Ani, Kani Famous Namesakes: Makani Harrelson, daughter of actor Woody Harrelson Peak Popularity: Makani is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Fun Fact: Makani is considered a unisex name in Hawaii. Hailama Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Famous or renowned brother Alternative Spellings & Variations: None Famous Namesakes: None Peak Popularity: Hailama is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Fun Fact: Hailama is considered the Hawaiian equivalent to Hiram, a Hebrew name. Havika Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Beloved Alternative Spellings & Variations: Havi Peak Popularity: Havika is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Fun Fact: Havika is considered the Hawaiian equivalent to David, a Hebrew name. Ilima Origin: Hawaiian, Hebrew Meaning: Flower Alternative Spellings & Variations: Alima, Ulima, Lima, Ili Peak Popularity: Ilima is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Fun Fact: Ilima is the official flower of Oahu, a bright yellow flower that's part of the Hibiscus family. Ionakana Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: A gift from God Alternative Spellings & Variations: Iona, Kana, Ana Peak Popularity: Ionakana is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Fun Fact: The name Ionakana is a variant of the very common Hebrew name, Jonathan. Iulio Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Youthful Alternative Spellings & Variations: Julio, Julito, Julia, Julius, Jullian, Julen Famous Namesakes: None Peak Popularity: Iulio is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Kaimana Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Power of the ocean Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kai, Mana, Kaima, Ana Famous Namesakes: None Peak Popularity: Kaimana is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. It was ranked 84th for Hawaiian boys in 2020. Fun Fact: The name Kaimana combines two common Hawaiian words: Kai, which means “ocean” or “sea,” and mana, which translates to “power.” Kaimana is also derived from the English word, diamond. Kalani Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Sea and sky, chief Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kalanie, Kala, Kalan Famous Namesakes: Kalani Hilliker, dancer; Kalani Chapman, surfer; Kalani Prince, Hawaiian YouTuber Peak Popularity: Kalani is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Fun Fact: Kalani is the male version of the Hawaiian name, Kalanie. Kapono Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Proper or righteous one, virtuous Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kapon, Kopone Peak Popularity: Kapono is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Keoni Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: God is gracious Alternative Spellings & Variations: Keo Peak Popularity: Keoni is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Fun Fact: The name Keoni is considered the Hawaiian equivalent to the Hebrew name, John. Kimo Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Supplanter Famous Namesakes: Kimo Armitage, American poet; Kimo Williams, American musician Peak Popularity: Kimo is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Fun Fact: This common Hawaiian name is the equivalent to Jim or James. Maleko Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Of Mars, warrior Alternative Spellings & Variations: Malek Peak Popularity: Maleko is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Fun Fact: This common Hawaiian name is the equivalent to Mark. Mano Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Shark Alternative Spellings & Variations: Iman, Manny Famous Namesakes: Mano Brown, singer Peak Popularity: Mano is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Makaio Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Gift Of God Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kai Peak Popularity: Makaio is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. Fun Fact: This common Hawaiian name is the equivalent to the Hebrew name, Matthew. Loading shell for quizzesApp1 vue props component in Globe. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! 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