500+ Hawaiian Baby Names for your little one
Hawaiian baby names are associated with beauty and nature. These Hawaiian names are a perfect pick for your keiki kāne or kaikamahine.
Traditions Behind Hawaiian Baby Names
Traditional Hawaiian baby names are deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and have significant meanings behind them. In Hawaii, it is common for parents to give their baby a Hawaiian middle name to honor their heritage and keep the traditions alive.
There are popular Hawaiian baby boy names like Kai, Koa, Kaimana, and Kainoa. Similarly, for girls, names like Leilani, Malu, Malia, and Lani are popular choices. Some names are unisex and can be used for both boys and girls, such as Kalani, Kealoha, and Kealani.
These beautiful Hawaiian baby names often have meanings like “gracious” or “little one” in the Hawaiian language, making them unique and special.
Gender-Neutral Hawaiian Names Inspired by Nature
Hawaiian baby names are deeply rooted in nature. Whether you’re welcoming a baby girl or a bouncing baby boy, the spirit of aloha can be found in names like Keanu. The Aloha spirit of Hawaii means the love, peace, friendship, and energy hidden in the air of Hawaii. Aloha is more than a word of goodbye; it is something beyond the dictionary. Therefore, there are some names associated with this concept.
The traditional Hawaiian baby names are easy to pronounce and have a peaceful meaning, making it a perfect choice for Hawaiian baby names for boys. Many baby girl Hawaiian names and baby boy Hawaiian names reflect the Hawaiian Islands and Polynesian culture.
Names with meanings rooted in nature and the ocean are especially popular, with choices like kona (meaning “lady”) and “inoa”. If you’re in search of a unisex Hawaiian name, consider a popular Hawaiian boy or girl name that can be a fitting nickname. For example, Popular Hawaiian names like koa and Lani are top choices for unisex Hawaiian names.
Kai – Sea
Lani – Sky or heaven
Nalu – Wave
Kona – Lady
Mahina – Moon
Pono – Righteousness
Noelani – Mist of heaven
Maka – Eyes
Ikaika – Strong, steadfast
Anuhea – Cool breeze
Keanu – Cool breeze
Kailani – Sea and sky
Mana – Supernatural power
Iolana – Soaring like a hawk
Liko – Bud or sprout
Alani – Orange tree
Malie – Tranquil
Nui – Large or great
Kekoa – The brave one
Moana – Ocean
Hoku – Star
Kaimana – Power of the ocean
Kapono – The righteous one
Leilani – Heavenly lei
Kailua – Two seas or two currents
Akela – Graceful and noble
Kala – Sunlight
Malia – Calm or peaceful
Makana – Gift
Kiana – Divine or heavenly
Kona – Lady
Malu – Peace
Kaiolohia – Calm sea
Keola – Life
Alika – Protector
Kanoa – The free one
Kalea – Bright, clear
Kalani – The sky, the chief
Kaulana – Famous
Ikaika – Strong, steadfast
Kohana – Swift
Akamu – The Earth
Aulii – Exalted one
Eleu – Agile
Hinano – Beautiful flower
Kaulana – Famous, renowned
Iokua – God is salvation
Kekoa – The brave one
Kepano – Crown
Heavenly Hawaiian Baby Names
Hawaii is known for its beautiful islands. Heavenly Hawaiian Baby Names present the rich cultural heritage of the islands of Hawaii. Popular Hawaiian names like Nainoa and Kai hold cultural roots and embody spirituality.
The naming traditions of the people of Hawaii often draw from nature-inspired elements, with “Nalu” meaning “sea” and “kai” meaning “ocean”.
If you want to find unique Hawaiian baby names with a traditional vowel moniker, look no further than the popular baby names inspired by the islands.
Leilani – “heavenly flowers”
Kailani – “sea and sky”
Noelani – “heavenly mist”
Mahina – “moon”
Hoku – “star”
Lani – “heaven”
Malia – “calm” or “peaceful”
Kaiolohia – “calm sea”
Keanu – “cool breeze”
Aolani – “heavenly cloud”
Moana – “ocean”
Kailua – “two seas”
Keani – “cool breeze”
Kaiulani – “heavenly sea”
Kaimana – “power of the ocean”
Lanikai – “heavenly sea”
Nalani – “calm skies”
Hokulani – “heavenly star”
Keano – “cool breeze”
Kailani – “sea and sky”
Akamai – “intelligent”
Kalani – “the heavens”
Mano – “shark”
Keahi – “flames”
Kaimi – “the seeker”
Pualani – “heavenly flower”
Lokelani – “small rose”
Kala – “princess”
Kalino – “fine day”
Kapua – “flower”
Anuhea – “cool fragrance”
Kapuni – “spring”
Moani – “gentle breeze”
Leimomi – “pearl lei”
Alika – “most beautiful”
Akela – “graceful and noble”
Alamea – “precious”
Anela – “angel”
Aolani – “heavenly cloud”
Eleu – “alert”
Ikaika – “strong”
Kai – “sea”
Kaili – “stylish”
Kamalani – “heavenly child”
Keahi – “flames”
Keanu – “cool breeze”
Kekoa – “the brave one”
Strong Hawaiian Baby Names
The Strong Hawaiian Baby Names present a meaningful history behind Hawaiian baby names. Many parents choose Kamehameha as the first name for their son, meaning “the one set in the sea.” This powerful moniker is often paired with a strong surname to create a name that resonates. Hawaiian names are known for their abundant use of vowel sounds, giving them a melodic and captivating quality. Even actor Keanu Reeves has embraced his Hawaiian heritage through his name.
Kamehameha – “the one set in the sea”
Akamu – “of the earth”
Ikaika – “strong”
Keanu – “cool breeze over the mountains”
Makani – “wind”
Nalu – “wave”
Kekoa – “brave”
Kohana – “little flower”
Kaleo – “voice”
Lokahi – “unity”
Mahina – “moon”
Manu – “bird”
Kai – “sea”
Koa – “warrior”
Lono – “god of peace and prosperity”
Makoa – “fearless”
Moana – “ocean”
Nalu – “wave”
Pono – “righteous”
Ulani – “cheerful”
Aolani – “heavenly cloud”
Iolana – “soaring like a hawk”
Kaiwi – “bone near the sea”
Keani – “the wave”
Kekoa – “brave one”
Kona – “lady”
Liko – “bud, sprout”
Mana – “supernatural or divine power”
Nahele – “forest”
Nohea – “lovely”
Nui – “great, big”
Pono – “righteous”
Kalani – “the heavens”
Kamuela – “the one who receives God”
Kekoa – “the brave one”
Kiko – “farmer”
Liko – “bud, sprout”
Lono – “god of peace and prosperity”
Makani – “wind”
Malo – “winner”
Manu – “bird”
Nainoa – “name of a star”
Noe – “mist”
Oli – “to strive or excel”
Oni – “to move or shake”
Paka – “rock”
Pika – “rock”
Pono – “righteous”
Pilipo – “lover of horses”
Pi’ilani – “peerless chiefess”
Hawaiian Boy Names
Choosing a strong Hawaiian baby name can add a touch of power and beauty to your child’s identity. Many Hawaiian names have deep cultural and historical significance, such as Kamehameha, which was the name of a famous Hawaiian king. Pairing it with a simple and elegant first name as a nickname can create a unique and meaningful moniker. Including a Hawaiian surname that has a strong vowel sound can further enhance the overall impact of the name. Just ask Keanu Reeves, who proudly embraces his Hawaiian heritage.
Ahe – Gentle breeze
Akamu – Eyesight, keen vision
Akela – Strong, courageous
Aleka – Chieftain, leader
Ali’i – Chief, royalty
Analu – Gentle breeze
Ano – Glowing, radiant
Aolani – Heavenly cloud
Aukai – Seafarer, navigator
Ekolu – Third-born son
Haikea – Strength, power
Hale – House, dwelling
Hanakea – Cherished one
Hauoli – Happy, joyful
Heimana – Heavenly twins (twin boys)
Ikaika – Strong, powerful
Iokepa – Joseph
Ioane – John
Kaimana – Sea of power
Kainalu – Sea wave
Kaipo – Sweetheart, darling
Kala – Time, day
Kalani – Chieftain, of the heavens
Kamaka – Beloved child
Kanaloa – God of the ocean
Kanoa – Free, brave
Kaua – Bitter
Keahi – Fire, flame
Kealii – Chieftain
Keanu – Cool breeze
Keoni – Graceful
Kimo – Chieftain
Koa – Warrior, brave one
Kona – Leeward side (sheltered side of the island)
Kupono – Grateful, thankful
Leialoha – Beloved sweetheart
Likeke – Small, little
Liko – Chief, leader
Makana – Gift
Makanui – Strong wind
Malia – Calm, peaceful
Mano – Shark
Nahele – Wanderer
Nalu – Wave, surf
Pono – Righteous, just
Pohaku – Stone
Ua – Rain
Ulani – Heavenly
Ulu – To grow
Wai – Water
Hawaiian Baby Girl Names
When it comes to choosing a name for your little one, Hawaiian baby girl names are not only beautiful but also meaningful. Many of these names are inspired by the sea, nature, and traditions of Hawaii. Names like Moana (which means ocean) or Kai (which means sea) are popular choices for parents looking for a unique and exotic name for their daughter. Whether you have Hawaiian roots or simply love the culture, these names are a perfect choice for your baby girl.
Alaula – Red dawn
Hi’ipaka – Embrace of the clouds
Ilima – Vibrant red flower
Ina – White
Kahealani – Heavenly breath
Kaia – Sea
Kailani – Sea and sky
Kalaani – Chieftain of the heavens (can also be for boys)
Kalea – Joy, happiness
Kamaile – Beloved forest
Kaui – The stingray
Kaumea – Standing tall
Kealoha – Beloved one
Kekahi – The first
Kekoa – Brave
KoAloha – Beloved heart
Kokia – White heron
Kulamanu – Bird of the forest
Lanikai – Heavenly sea
Leilani – Heavenly flower
Leilani – Heavenly garland
Lehua – The cotton flower
Likana – Likeness
Likiliki – Tiny
Lokelani – Rose of heaven
Lona – Great, vast
Malia – Calm, peaceful
Maliapeka – Fragrant blossom
Manua – Bird
Maylani – Heavenly moon
Mehana – Warmth, heat
Moana – Vast ocean
Nani – Beautiful
Na’lani – Heavenly heights
Naupaka – Wild pansy
Ohi’a – The Lehua flower (red)
Pikake – Jasmine flower
Pua – Flower
Ulani – From the heavens
Waiʻaleʻale – Rippling water
Waikiki – Flowing water
Welina – Welcome
Yani – Rain from heaven
Yareli – Moonbeam
Kauʻi – The stingray (can also be a unisex name)
Kamakea – Cherished child (can also be a unisex name)
Kawehi – Spark, brilliance
KeAloha Pumehana – Beloved warm flower
Malialani – Heavenly calm
Creative Hawaiian Baby Names
When it comes to choosing a unique name for your baby, why not look to the beauty of the sea for inspiration? Hawaiian baby names offer a plethora of options that are both meaningful and beautiful. Names like Moana (which means ocean) or Kai (which means sea) evoke the tranquility and vastness of the ocean. These names not only sound beautiful, but they also carry a sense of connection to nature and the elements.
Kealohilani (Beloved heavenly mist) – Combines “Kealoha” (beloved) with “lani” (heavenly) and “hilani” (mist) for a poetic name.
Makanilani (Heavenly wind) – Combines “makani” (wind) with “lani” (heavenly) for a name that evokes a gentle breeze.
Koaniani (Brave rainbow warrior) – Combines “koa” (brave warrior) with “aniani” (rainbow) for a powerful but hopeful name.
Maliapoko (Fragrant calm) – Combines “malia” (calm) with “pokoku” (fragrant) for a serene and pleasant name.
Leihoku (Star garland) – Combines “lei” (garland) with “hoku” (star) for a celestial and beautiful name.
Nalani Kaimana (Heavenly heights, sea of power) – Combines two beautiful names for a child with boundless potential.
Puanani Kawe (Heavenly flower spark) – Combines “puanani” (heavenly flower) with “kawe” (spark) for a radiant and bright name.
Lehuaola (Living cotton flower) – Combines “lehua” (cotton flower) with “ola” (life) for a name that evokes resilience and beauty.
Moanalani (Heavenly sea) – Combines “moana” (sea) with “lani” (heavenly) for a name that captures the vastness of the ocean.
Kaimanaola (Sea of power, life) – Combines “kaimana” (sea of power) with “ola” (life) for a name that signifies strength and vitality.
Maliaimalani (Calm heavenly garden) – Doubles “malia” (calm) with “imalani” (heavenly garden) for a name that evokes peace and tranquility.
Ulani Pualani (Heavenly flower from the heavens) – Combines “ulani” (from the heavens) with “pualani” (heavenly flower) for a name with double emphasis on the celestial.
Kekaihele (Ocean dancer) – Combines “kekai” (ocean) with “hele” (to dance) for a name that evokes graceful movement.
Makua nui a ke kai (Great protector of the sea) – A descriptive name that signifies guardianship and strength.
Manuahi’ilani (Heavenly birdwatcher) – Combines “manua” (bird) with “hi’i” (to watch) and “lani” (heavenly) for a whimsical name.
Maliawai (Calm water) – Combines “malia” (calm) with “wai” (water) for a simple and serene name.
Ka’ea (The cherished one) – A unique name with a deep meaning of being treasured.
Kealohakala (Beloved of the forest) – Combines “kealoha” (beloved) with “kala” (forest) for a nature-loving child.
Māhealani (Healing from the heavens) – Combines “māhealani” (healing) with “lani” (heavenly) for a hopeful and comforting name.
Naluokelanilani (Heavenly wave rolling from the heavens) – A creative combination that evokes the power and beauty of the ocean.
Kaimanahele (Sea of power that dances) – Doubles the “he” sound for a rhythmic and vibrant name.
Hinatea (Fiery goddess) – Combines “hina” (fiery) with “atea” (goddess) for a strong and powerful name.
Moanaali’i (Sea chief) – Combines “moana” (sea) with “ali’i” (chief) for a name that denotes leadership and connection to the ocean.
Lehuamai (Fragrant cotton flower) – Combines “lehua” (cotton flower) with “mai” (fragrant) for a sweet-sounding name.
Kapuaokalani (Blooming flower from the heavens) – Combines “kapua” (blooming), “oka” (from), and “lani” (heavenly) for a vibrant name.
Makalapua (Blooming eyes) – Combines “maka” (eyes) with “puapua” (blooming) for a name that signifies beauty and potential.
Kahananui (Great laughter) – Combines “kana” (laugh) with “nui” (great) for a joyful and lively name.
Traditional Hawaiian Baby Names
Traditional Hawaiian Baby Names are often inspired by nature and the elements. Names like Kai, which means “sea” in Hawaiian, are popular choices for both boys and girls. The sea holds great significance in Hawaiian culture, representing both a source of sustenance and a connection to the spiritual world. Other traditional Hawaiian names include Akoni (meaning “worthy of praise”), Leilani (meaning “heavenly lei”), and Kekoa (meaning “brave warrior”). These names have beautiful meanings and reflect the rich history and traditions of the Hawaiian people.
Alani (High chief) – Unisex
Kaia (The sea) – Unisex
Kealoha (The loved one) – Unisex
Nani (Beautiful) – Female
Makua (Brave, strong) – Male
Kalani (Chieftain, of the heavens) – Unisex
Kamaka (Beloved child) – Unisex
Leilani (Heavenly flower) – Female
Ikaika (Strong, powerful) – Male
Mahina (Moon) – Unisex
Hinano (Beautiful as mist) – Female
Kaimana (Sea of power) – Male
Hauʻoli (Happiness) – Unisex
Mehana (Warmth, heat) – Female
KoAloha (Beloved heart) – Male
Malia (Calm, peaceful) – Female
Liko (Chief, leader) – Male
Ulani (Heavenly) – Unisex
Leialoha (Beloved sweetheart) – Female
Keanu (Cool breeze) – Male
Kailani (Beach and sky) – Unisex
Kalea (Joy, happiness) – Female
Koa (Warrior, brave one) – Male
Pono (Righteous, just) – Unisex
Nahele (Wanderer) – Male
Kauʻi (The stingray) – Unisex
Kimo (Chieftain) – Male
Lehua (The cotton flower) – Female
Maliapeka (Fragrant blossom) – Female
Wai (Water) – Unisex
Wrap up
In short, Hawaiian baby names hold a beautiful cultural history. These names are associated with the beautiful land of Hawaii. The Hawaiian naming traditions signify the value and spirituality Hawaiian people feel for their ocean, land, islands, air, and nature.
