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 Kalei heart image baby boy sign Unisex The child; The flowers
heart image Kaleia heart image baby boy sign Girl Curled flower; Twisted flower
heart image Kaleighia heart image baby boy sign Girl Happiness or bliss; Flowers
heart image Kaleo heart image baby boy sign Unisex Sound; Voice
heart image Kalino heart image baby boy sign Boy The brilliant one
heart image Kalon heart image baby boy sign Boy Sky
heart image Kalona heart image baby boy sign Girl Sky in Hawaiian; Singer in Hebrew; Plain
heart image Kaloni heart image baby boy sign Girl Sky, the Rroyal one
heart image Kamaia heart image baby boy sign Unisex Calm; Quiet one
heart image Kamalei heart image baby boy sign Girl Beloved child
heart image Kamaya heart image baby boy sign Girl Precious one
heart image Kamea heart image baby boy sign Girl The one and only
heart image Kamie heart image baby boy sign Unisex Desire or longing
heart image Kanani heart image baby boy sign Girl The one who is beautiful
heart image Kani heart image baby boy sign Girl Sound
heart image Kanoa heart image baby boy sign Boy The free one
heart image Kanuha heart image baby boy sign Boy The sulky one
heart image Kapena heart image baby boy sign unisex Captain
heart image Kapono heart image baby boy sign Unisex Righteous
heart image Kapueo heart image baby boy sign Unisex Owl in Hawaiian
heart image Kapula heart image baby boy sign Unisex Prayer
heart image Kapuni heart image baby boy sign Unisex Favorite One
heart image Kaua heart image baby boy sign Boy Sensitive; One who is sensitive by nature
heart image Kauai heart image baby boy sign Unisex Place of beauty
heart image Kaui heart image baby boy sign Boy The youth is beautiful
heart image Kawena heart image baby boy sign Unisex The rosy glow in the sky
heart image Kawika heart image baby boy sign Boy Favorite; Beloved Friend
heart image Kawikani heart image baby boy sign Boy The one who is strong
heart image Kayl heart image baby boy sign Boy The man who is free
heart image Kaylani heart image baby boy sign Girl Ocean; Sky
heart image Keahi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Fire
heart image Keahilani heart image baby boy sign Unisex Heaven's fire
heart image Keaka heart image baby boy sign Boy Brave warrior; Valiant protector
heart image Keala heart image baby boy sign Unisex The path; The road
heart image Kealamauloa heart image baby boy sign Boy The eternal path or the path of eternity
heart image Kealani heart image baby boy sign Unisex The clear and white heaven
heart image Kealii heart image baby boy sign Unisex Chief
heart image Kealoha heart image baby boy sign Unisex The one who is loved
heart image Kealohi heart image baby boy sign Unisex The one who shines
heart image Kealohilani heart image baby boy sign Unisex The shine of the heaven
heart image Keani heart image baby boy sign Unisex Breeze or wave
heart image Keanu heart image baby boy sign Unisex Cool breeze over the mountains
heart image Kehau heart image baby boy sign Girl Heavenly dew
heart image Kehlani heart image baby boy sign Girl Sea and sky
heart image Keia heart image baby boy sign Unisex The one; The kind
heart image Keiana heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful; Divine grace
heart image Keiki heart image baby boy sign Unisex Child
heart image Keikilani heart image baby boy sign Unisex Heaven's child
heart image Keilana heart image baby boy sign Girl Joyful ocean
heart image Keilani heart image baby boy sign Girl Heaven; Sky; Glorious chief; Royal one
heart image Keimoni heart image baby boy sign Boy The ocean of uniqueness or knowledge
heart image Keka heart image baby boy sign Unisex Chosen; Selected; Appointed
heart image Kekai heart image baby boy sign Unisex The sea
heart image Kekala heart image baby boy sign Girl She is chosen
heart image Kekepania heart image baby boy sign Girl Crowned in victory
heart image Kekoa heart image baby boy sign Boy The warrior
heart image Kela heart image baby boy sign Unisex To wait
heart image Kelani heart image baby boy sign unisex Heaven
heart image Kelanie heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique; Mysterious; Beautiful
heart image Kelii heart image baby boy sign unisex The chief
heart image Kelina heart image baby boy sign Girl Bright, pure, and shining one
heart image Kellii heart image baby boy sign Boy Chief
heart image Keloni heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong; Brave; Noble
heart image Keo heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong and courageous
heart image Keoki heart image baby boy sign Unisex Hawaiian variation of George
heart image Keomi heart image baby boy sign Select Gender The life
heart image Keona heart image baby boy sign Boy God is gracious
heart image Keone heart image baby boy sign Girl God's gracious gift
heart image Kepakiano heart image baby boy sign Boy God's gift
heart image Kepler heart image baby boy sign Boy Hatter; Cap maker
heart image Kiala heart image baby boy sign Unisex Bright; Clear
heart image Kiana heart image baby boy sign Girl Grace of God
heart image Kianah heart image baby boy sign Unisex Divine; Heavenly
heart image Kiano heart image baby boy sign Girl Strong; Adaptable
heart image Kida heart image baby boy sign Unisex stringed musical instrument
heart image Kiele heart image baby boy sign Girl Fragrant blossom
heart image Kielle heart image baby boy sign Girl Gardenia
heart image Kiely heart image baby boy sign Girl Garden of flowers
heart image Kika heart image baby boy sign Boy Battle place
heart image Kila heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong; Powerful; Brave
heart image Kilani heart image baby boy sign Unisex Mighty; Powerful
heart image Kilo heart image baby boy sign Boy One who observes the stars; Daydreamer
heart image Kilohana heart image baby boy sign unisex Superior; Best
heart image Kimo heart image baby boy sign Boy One who replaces or supplants; A supplanter
heart image Kina heart image baby boy sign Girl Vindicated
heart image Kinipela heart image baby boy sign Girl Wave
heart image Koa heart image baby boy sign Boy Warrior
heart image Koalani heart image baby boy sign Unisex The heavenly path
heart image Kona heart image baby boy sign Boy Leeward
heart image Konala heart image baby boy sign Boy World ruler
heart image Konane heart image baby boy sign Boy Konane means Light
heart image Ku heart image baby boy sign Unisex Good; Nest
heart image Kualii heart image baby boy sign Boy Kualii means A Famous Chief
heart image Kukane heart image baby boy sign Boy Means Like a Man
heart image Kulani heart image baby boy sign Boy Kulani means Like heaven, to reveal Heaven
heart image Kye heart image baby boy sign Boy Ocean
heart image Kylani heart image baby boy sign Unisex Heaven; Sky
heart image Kyroh heart image baby boy sign Unisex Mysterious and unique
heart image Lahahana heart image baby boy sign Boy Warmth of the sun
heart image Lahela heart image baby boy sign Girl Innocent lamb

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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