359 Hawaiian Baby Names With Meanings

Hawaiian Baby Names With Meanings

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.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Naveya heart image baby boy sign girl Beautiful; Heavenly; Angelic
heart image Navie heart image baby boy sign Unisex Daring; Adventurous; Bold
heart image Naylani heart image baby boy sign Girl Heavenly; Lovely one
heart image Neeko heart image baby boy sign Unisex Vibrant; Unique; Free-spirited
heart image Neilani heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beautiful spirit of the sky
heart image Neyah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Beautiful; Brave
heart image Nihana heart image baby boy sign Unisex Bright; Morning; Beauty queen
heart image Noah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Rest
heart image Noelani heart image baby boy sign Girl Fog from paradise
heart image Nohea heart image baby boy sign Unisex Lovely; Handsome
heart image Nohealani heart image baby boy sign Girl Prettiest woman from paradise
heart image Ohana heart image baby boy sign Girl Family
heart image Ohanna heart image baby boy sign Girl Man of exceptional courage, nobility, and strength
heart image Okelani heart image baby boy sign Girl Pleasant blue sky
heart image Olana heart image baby boy sign Unisex Joyful or cheerful
heart image Oliana heart image baby boy sign Girl Ornamental and poisonous shrub
heart image Olina heart image baby boy sign Girl Happiness; Delightful; Blissful; Cheerful
heart image Oline heart image baby boy sign Girl Joyful; Jovial; Merry; Jolly
heart image Olivia heart image baby boy sign Girl Peace; Olive tree
heart image Olman heart image baby boy sign Boy Servant of the Gods
heart image Onaona heart image baby boy sign Boy The one with a pleasing fragrance
heart image Palapala heart image baby boy sign Girl Foreign Women; Hawaiian variant of Barbara
heart image Palila heart image baby boy sign Girl A rare and small bird
heart image Pazhani heart image baby boy sign Unisex A free and independent being
heart image Pekelo heart image baby boy sign Boy Name for a stone or a rock
heart image Pele heart image baby boy sign Girl From the volcano
heart image Peni heart image baby boy sign Boy Son of the South; Son of the right hand
heart image Pilialoha heart image baby boy sign Girl Beloved; Loving
heart image Pua heart image baby boy sign Unisex Flower
heart image Pualani heart image baby boy sign Girl Heavenly flower; Royal offspring; Flower; Offspring
heart image Puanani heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beautiful flower
heart image Puna heart image baby boy sign Unisex A water spring
heart image Pupu heart image baby boy sign Unisex A term for appetizers or snacks
heart image Rhaine heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful; Serene; Ethereal
heart image Rira heart image baby boy sign Unisex River; Flowing river
heart image Saia heart image baby boy sign Unisex God is salvation; Sea; Ocean; Cassia tree
heart image Saila heart image baby boy sign Unisex Peaceful, serene, calming
heart image Shalia heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful; Compassionate; Serene
heart image Shaliah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Messenger; God's representative
heart image Sherlene heart image baby boy sign Girl Loving and charismatic
heart image Shylin heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Mysterious; Enchanting
heart image Sophia heart image baby boy sign Girl She who possesses great knowledge and wisdom
heart image Taea heart image baby boy sign Girl To be faced with great challenges or adversity
heart image Tahiri heart image baby boy sign Unisex Pure, virtuous, radiant soul
heart image Talei heart image baby boy sign Unisex Radiant, charming, joyous
heart image Tangi heart image baby boy sign Unisex To cry with great sadness
heart image Tava heart image baby boy sign Unisex Star or one who shines brightly
heart image Tei heart image baby boy sign Unisex Shine; Gift from God
heart image Tihani heart image baby boy sign Girl Beloved or one who is cherished
heart image Tiki heart image baby boy sign Unisex Exotic, playful, Polynesian
heart image Ulani heart image baby boy sign Unisex Cheerful; heavenly; Heavenly sunshine
heart image William heart image baby boy sign Boy Will; Protector
heart image Yancy heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong, adventurous, determined
heart image Yanelie heart image baby boy sign Unisex God is gracious
heart image Yarina heart image baby boy sign Girl Strong; Virtuous; Leader
heart image Zailah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Exalted, independent, confident
heart image Zariah heart image baby boy sign Girl Shining; Radiance
heart image Zariyah heart image baby boy sign Girl Blooming flower
heart image Zienna heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Graceful; Divine

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.

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)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

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.

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.
  1. Kamehameha the Great
    https://www.nps.gov/puhe/learn/historyculture/kamehameha.htm
  2. Queen Lili'uokalani
    https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/queen-lili-uokalani.htm
  3. 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

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