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Hawaiian last names are not merely identifiers; they embody the rich cultural identity and heritage of the Hawaiian people. Each name carries deep meanings related to nature, ancestry, and the geographical features of the islands, connecting individuals to their roots and community. Generally, last names run in families for centuries. However, it isn’t the case with Hawaii. The island’s natives mostly used first names and had only a few surnames of Hawaiian origin. However, our list here gives you a sneak into some common Hawaiian last names with meanings, most of which came into existence when immigrants settled in these islands.
It means that these surnames have been adopted from various cultures and languages. Besides, most of these surnames sound familiar as these surnames are abbreviated from other surnames. The Hawaiian alphabet has only 12 letters, and hence jumbling of words to make a surname or name is common in Hawaiian naming tradition. Like their names, Hawaiian surnames also display the strong bond Hawaiians share with nature and their gods.
100 Hawaiian Last Names Or Surnames With Meanings
Each of these names is unique on its own since they hold a special meaning.
1. Ailana
A name as beautiful as it sounds, Ailana is of Finnish origin and refers to the ‘moonlight.’
2. Ai’la’ausd
It is a religious Hawaiian last name that means ‘Fire God.’
3. Aka
This name can mean ‘affectionate,’ or ‘noble.’ Sometimes, it also indicates ‘lightness’ and ‘clarity.’
Quick fact4. Akamai
Derived from the word Akeakamai, the one who seeks knowledge, Akamai means ‘clever’ and ‘intelligent.’
5. Akamu
This name is the Hawaiian version of the biblical name ‘Adam,’ the first human being created by God. It also means ‘of the Earth.’
6. Akana
According to the Japanese Kanji culture, Akana means ‘bright’ and ‘play the music.’
7. Akina
It is a Japanese-origin name that would bring warmth to your heart as it means ‘autumn’ or ‘bright.’
8. Ailana
An apt name for a ‘beautiful’ child, Ailana means ‘the God’s strength.’
Did you know?9. Alama
It is a name of Swahili origin meaning ‘sign’ or ‘symbol.’
10. Alana
Derived from High German, this word means ‘precious.’ But in Hawaiian, it means ‘beautiful offering’ or ‘awakening.’
11. Alika
The Hawaiian last name likely has a Nigerian origin and means ‘the most beautiful’ in both languages.
12. Alohi
It means ‘brilliant’ in Hawaiian and also refers to ‘shining.’
13. Anakoni
A sweet last name to cherish love as it means ‘precious’ and ‘priceless.’
14. Anela
Anela is a Hawaiian last name of Greek origin. It is similar to the English name Angela and was adopted by early Hawaiian Christians.
15. Ano
Ano has its origin in German and means ‘pristine.’
Trivia16. Aolani
This is a name to remind you of the sky as it means ‘beautiful clouds.’
17. Aouli
This name paints the picture of a perfect day as it means ‘clear blue sky.’
18. Aria
A popular surname in Hawaii, it means ‘solo melody,’ and has its origin in Italian.
19. Aukai
A name that would keep you closer to the sea as it means ‘seafarer’ or ‘sailor.’
20. Etana
If you want your baby girl to depict ‘strength,’ you can name her Etana, which also means ‘dedication’ and ‘strong.’ This name is of Hebrew origin and is also the female version of ‘Ethan.’
21. Haku
The name of power and responsibility, Haku means ‘supervisor.’
22. Hale
It is the Hawaiian version of the English first name Harry. The name also means the sweet and simple word, ‘home.’
23. Halia
A name to remind you of someone you cherish the most, as Halia means ‘reminiscence’ in Hawaiian.
24. Haoa
It is a Hawaiian last name and the vernacular form of English ‘Howard.’ It is a common surname and means ‘army guard’ or ‘chief.’
25. Haukea
Representing a soft personality, Haukea means the beautiful ‘white snow.’
26. Havika
The last name signifies love and means ‘beloved’ or ‘dearest.’ It has a Hebrew origin and is also the vernacular form of ‘David.’
Did you know?27. Hekekia
It is the vernacular name of the king of Judah and comes from his biblical name, ‘Hezekiah.’
28. Hikialani
A name to push you closer to Nirvana as it means ‘looking up to heaven.’
29. Ikaika
Originating from Hawaiian, Ikaika means ‘a strong man.’
30. Inoa
This last name has two interpretations. It means ‘name chants’ and is also said to be the Hawaiian version of ‘the virgin Mary.’
31. Iona
It is shorted form of ‘Ionakana’, which means ‘gift from God.’ It is also the Hawaiian version of ‘Jonah‘ and the common Hebrew name ‘Jonathan.’
32. Ionakana
The Hawaiian version of Hebrew name Jonathan, which means ‘the gift from God.’
33. Iosua
It is derived from the biblical name ‘Joshua.’
34. Isaia
It is the Hawaiian version of the biblical name ‘Isaiah’ and means ‘the God of salvation.’
35. Kahale
It is a Hawaiian surname indicating the place where we commonly seek comfort, ‘the home.’
36. Kahananui
This Hawaiian last name means ‘the great undertaking’ or can also mean ‘the great work.’
37. Kahele
It is one of the more common Hawaiian k last names and means ‘to go.’
38. Kahie
It is a unique surname originating from two Hawaiian words, ‘ka,’ meaning ‘the,’ and ‘hue,’ meaning ‘gourd.’
39. Kai
It is a surname that resonates with Hawaii since it means ‘ocean.’ It originates from a Japanese word with the same meaning.
40. Kainoa
If you want your baby to remind you of the ocean every time you look at her, name her Kainoa, as it means ‘child of the sea’ or ‘free-flowing ocean.’
41. Kaiwi
To remind you of your past, you can opt for this last name of Polynesian origin that means ‘keepers of the ancestors.’ In Hawaiian, it also means ‘the bone,’ marking the significance as life.
42. Kalama
Kalama means ‘the torch.’ It is also the name of the queen consort of Hawaii between 1837-1854.
43. Kalani
It can even make a suitable name for your precious and beautiful child as it means, ‘the heaven’ or ‘the royal one.’
44. Kalawaiʻa
It is the confluence of the Hawaiian words ‘ka,’ meaning ‘the’ and ‘lawaiʻa,’ meaning ‘fisherman.’
45. Kaleo
A name that would remind you of the oceans’ music as Kaleo means ‘one voice’ or ‘one sound.’
46. Kalua
It also makes for an ideal first name, and it means ‘companion.’
47. Kama
It is a simple Hawaiian surname that means ‘child.’
48. Kamaka
The name Kamaka has different meanings in many languages. In Hawaiian, it means ‘the eye,’ whereas in Maori, the indigenous Polynesian language from New Zealand, it means ‘rock.’
49. Kamealoha
It is a name that suits the affection for your child, for it means ‘the beloved one.’
50. Kana
According to Hawaiian mythology, Kana is a demigod who had the power to stretch incredibly.
51. Kane
Kane is the God of procreation in Hawaiian mythology and the highest of the four Gods. He is also called the father of living creatures.
52. Kapule
The Hawaiian surname is inspired by the eternal belief in God, and it means ‘magic’ or ‘prayer.’
53. Ka’uhane
The surname is derived from the Hawaiian word Uhane, which means ‘spirit’ or ‘soul.’
54. Kawai
The last name that will remind you of Hawaii as it means ‘coming from water’ or simply ‘the water.’
55. Kayl
It is a last name of Hawaiian origin and means ‘free man.’
56. Keahi
It means ‘flames’ in Hawaiian and is a name that resonates with nature’s powerful element, fire.
57. Keaka
This surname means ‘the reflection’ in Hawaiian.
58. Kealani
In Hawaiian, ‘Lani’ refers to ‘heaven,’ and ‘kea’ refers to ‘white.’ ‘A clear sky’ or ‘white heaven’ is what this last name represents.
59. Kealoha
The surname likely has its origin in Maori, and it means ‘the love.’
60. Kealohilani
The name that brings hope, as it means ‘bright heaven.’
61. Keanu
Quite a suitable name for a place full of trees and oceans, as it means ‘cool’ or ‘breeze.’ It is also the name of the famous actor Keanu Reeves.
62. Keawe
A unique Hawaiian surname, Keawe means ‘thread’ and is of Hawaiian origin.
63. Kehaulani
It is a popular Hawaiian last name and means ‘heavenly dew from the sky.’
64. Kekepania
It is the Hawaiian version of the Greek name ‘Stephanie,’ which means ‘woman with a crown.’
65. Kekoa
It means a ‘warrior’ or a ‘koa tree,’ and it is a surname that symbolizes strength and subtlety.
66. Kelekolio
It is the Hawaiian version of the English name ‘Gregory,’ which itself has its origin in Ancient Greek.
67. Keli’i
A unique Hawaiian surname, it means ‘the chief’ or ‘the head.’
68. Keona
It has its origin in both Polynesian and Hawaiian, and means ‘the gift of God.’
69. Kiana
Kiana is a divine last name of Hawaiian origin and means ‘Goddess of the moon.’
70. Konani
This last name would add a touch of dazzle to your name as it means ‘bright.’
71. Kulani
In Hawaiian, Kulani means ‘a reveal to heaven,’ and is a unique Hawaiian surname.
72. Lani
Lani is of Hawaiian origin and means ‘blue sky,’ and is also used to refer to the ‘heaven.’
73. Lee
It is inspired by a Korean name, and refers to a ‘plum tree.’
74. Leilani
The Hawaiian surname comes from the words ‘Lei,’ meaning ‘flower,’ and ‘Lani,’ meaning ‘heaven.’ Thus, Leilani means the beautiful ‘heavenly flower.’
75. Leimomi
Another name that resonates with the ocean, Leimomi, means ‘wreath of pearls.’
76. Likeke
It is a surname that depicts courage, since Likeke means ‘powerful’ or ‘brave.’ It is also the vernacular version of the English first name ‘Richard.’
77. Luda
This Hawaiian surname is the vernacular form of the name Jude.
78. Lui
It is a surname of German and French origin and a vernacular form of the first name Louis.
79. Mahelona
It is derived from the name of the biblical character Mahlon, the first husband of Ruth.
80. Mahi’ai
It comes from the Hawaiian language and was originally used to refer to a ‘farmer.’
81. Mahoe
It is a rare Hawaiian surname that means ‘twins.’ The name also indicates a ‘small bushy tree.’
82. Makali
A surname of Hawaiian origin, Makali means ‘myrtle tree,’ or could also refer to ‘small eyes.’
83. Makaio
This unique Hawaiian surname refers to a ‘gift from God.’
84. Maliah
It is the Hawaiian version of the English name Maria, which originally comes from Hebrew.
85. Mana
It is considered a sacred word in Hawaiian culture, and originally comes from Japanese. Mana refers to a ‘spiritual energy.’
86. Manu
It is a beautiful last name, which is close to nature. Manu means ‘bird’ in Hawaiian.
87. Maui
The last name has Hawaiian and Polynesian origins and means ‘God of fire.’ The name is also used as a first name and has become popular since the release of the Disney film, Moana.
88. Mililani
A beautiful last name, Mililani means ‘heaven’s love’ in Hawaiian.
89. Moana
It is of Hawaiian and Polynesian origins and refers to the ‘sea’ or ‘ocean.’ Moana is also used as a first name.
90. Nakamura
It is a Japanese name adopted by Hawaiians and means ‘middle village.’
91. Nani
The Hawaiian surname has multiple meanings and refers to ‘pretty,’ ‘beautiful,’ or ‘attractive flower.’
92. Noelani
It is a sweet surname of Hawaiian origin, Noelani means ‘dew’ or ‘heavenly mist.’
93. Palakiko
The Hawaiian surname is derived from the Spanish name Francisco, which comes from the English first name Francis.
94. Pele
In Hawaiian mythology, Pele means ‘God of volcano,’ and is considered the creator of the islands.
95. Peleke
It is the Hawaiian version of the German name Frederick, which means ‘peaceful ruler’ in German.
96. Pualani
The lovely Hawaiian surname means ‘heavenly offspring.’
97. Sophia
It comes from the English first name Sophia, which is derived from Greek and means ‘wisdom.’
98. Urima
The name has Hawaiian and Polynesian origins and means ‘Earth’s fruit.’
99. Wailani
It is a surname that represents the oceans of Hawaii and means ‘heavenly water.’
100. Wong
The name originally comes from the Chinese surname Wang, meaning ‘king’ or ‘monarch.’ The surname reached Hawaii with the Cantonese people who migrated to the islands in the 18th century.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Illustration: Hawaiian Last Names Or Surnames With Meanings
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Hawaiian names gender neutral?
Most Hawaiian names are gender-neutral. However, few names might be used by a particular gender more.
2. Why are names so important in Hawaiian culture?
According to the Hawaiian tradition, names represent the traits of a person. A name’s meaning might inspire a child as they grow old. Hence, names are significant in the Hawaiian culture.
3. Can non-Hawaiian individuals adopt or change their last names to Hawaiian names?
As per the rules of the Hawaiian government, only the residents of Hawaii can opt for a Hawaiian name change, which is granted through the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Hawaii. However, someone who marries into the state may opt for their spouse’s name (1).
4. What historical influences shaped Hawaiian surnames?
Hawaiian surnames were influenced significantly by the native Polynesian culture. However, the arrival of immigrants from various cultures, including Japanese, Chinese, and Portuguese, brought the influence of their naming conventions onto Hawaiian last names.
Hawaiian surnames have not been a part of the Hawaiian culture for generations. They were only adopted after immigrants arrived on the island, and hence, the roots of their surnames are in the languages of the immigrants. Also, since people from different places have introduced the surnames, they reflect diverse cultures. The unique Hawaiian last names listed here, such as Akamu, Haku, and Kai, will give you a glimpse of the island’s fascinating mythology and demographic history. Whether you are a native Hawaiian or simply love the culture, these beautiful Hawaiian surnames will give your baby a meaningful last name.
Infographic: Hawaiian Surnames Based On Nature
Hawaii is a beautiful island with a perfect blend of nature, landscape, arts, and culture. The love for nature among Hawaiians makes them special, which can be noticed in their names and surnames. So, let’s look at the infographic below to learn about some of the beautiful Hawaiian surname names inspired by nature. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Hawaiian last names or surnames have influences from multiple cultures and are mostly gender-neutral.
- The Hawaiian alphabet only has 12 characters, so many Hawaiian surnames sound similar.
- Hawaiians are close to nature, the impact of which can be seen in the meanings of their names and surnames.
- Besides nature, Hawaiian last names are also inspired by human virtues, the arts, and the divine.
- Some of the most well-known Hawaiian surnames are Leilani, Akana, Maui, Kehaulani, and Pualani.
Hawaii is a beautiful archipelago and a state in the Western United States known for its lush environment and vibrant culture. Learn on how Hawaiian names are generally given.
References
- Name Change Application; State of Hawaiʻi
https://namechange.ehawaii.gov/public/welcome.html;jsessionid=95C79AC19CA44592CE6ABF06823EE86B.app4
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