355 Hawaiian Baby Names With Meanings

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.

Name		Gender	Meaning
Liam		Boy	Strong-willed warrior
Olivia		Girl	Peace; Olive tree
Emma		Girl	Whole; Universal
Elijah		Boy	Yahweh is my God
Ava		Girl	Guarantee
William		Boy	Will; Protector
Isabella		Girl	God is my oath
Mia		Girl	Mine; Dear; Darling
Mason		Boy	Stone worker
Ethan		Boy	Strong
Logan		Boy	Little hollow
Mila		Girl	Gracious; Dear
Caleb		Boy	Faithful as a dog; Brave; Devoted to God; Whole-hearted
Ezekiel		Boy	Strength of God
Kehlani		Girl	Sea and sky
Kailani		Girl	Sea and Sky; Ocean and sky; Heaven; The royal one
Kaylani		Girl	Ocean; Sky
Leia		Girl	Heavenly child; Heavenly flowers; Lioness
Milani		Girl	A soft and gentle affectionate touch
Malani		Girl	She who is from the sky
Zariah		Girl	Shining; Radiance
Makai		Boy	Towards the sea
Koa		Boy	Warrior
Nalani		Girl	Calm skies; Serenity of the heavens
Zariyah		Girl	Blooming flower
Keilani		Girl	Heaven; Sky; Glorious chief; Royal one
Kiana		Girl	Grace of God
Kye		Boy	Ocean
Laylani		Unisex	Exotic, enchanting, beautiful
Kahlani		Unisex	Heavenly; The heavens
Leylani		Unisex	Heavenly flower, tender beauty
Ailany		Unisex	Seren; Tranquil
Maylee		Girl	She who resembles a wild flower
Kailany		Unisex	Sea and sky
Lailani		Girl	Heavenly flower
Makoa		Boy	Strong and courageous
Kalea		Girl	Joy; Happiness
Noelani		Girl	Fog from paradise
Kaelani		Unisex	Heavenly or royal spirit
Alakai		Unisex	The leader; Guidance
Lua		Girl	A contended; Relaxes and joyful individual
Maelani		Girl	Heavenly flower
Naylani		Girl	Heavenly; Lovely one
Laia		Girl	Sweet-speaking
Lani		Girl	Sky; Heaven; Royal
Kekoa		Boy	The warrior
Kylani		Unisex	Heaven; Sky
Kamaya		Girl	Precious one
Maylani		Unisex	Heavenly flower
Kaleia		Girl	Curled flower; Twisted flower
Kahlia		Girl	Keeper of the Keys
Bane		Boy	Son of consolation; Son of the Prophet; Long-awaited child
Navie		Unisex	Daring; Adventurous; Bold
Moana		Girl	Ocean
Leiana		Girl	Heavenly flower; Child of heaven
Mailani		Girl	Heavenly flower
Kaloni		Girl	Sky, the Rroyal one
Ohana		Girl	Family
Madison		Boy	Son of Maud
Ulani		Unisex	Cheerful; heavenly; Heavenly sunshine
Malea		Girl	Hawaiian name describing something that is possible; Probable
Aulani		Girl	King's messenger
Kanoa		Boy	The free one
Kepler		Boy	Hatter; Cap maker
Kamea		Girl	The one and only
Kaiel		Unisex	God is my warrior
Leiani		Unisex	Heavenly flowers; Royal child
Lelani		Girl	Heavenly, tranquil, and flower-like
Neeko		Unisex	Vibrant; Unique; Free-spirited
Ailana		Girl	Strength of God; The memory of the lord
Kalon		Boy	Sky
Mahina		Girl	Lunar god
Ikaika		Unisex	Strong or Man of strength
Leilana		Girl	A flower that grows in heaven
Maile		Girl	A vine or a shrub
Maui		Boy	Strong-willed
Hannia		Girl	Gift from God
Kaeo		Boy	Strong
Miliani		Girl	Gentle caress
Kona		Boy	Leeward
Makani		Boy	Wind; Ghost
Luanna		Girl	Enjoyment, Happiness and Bliss
Malana		Girl	Light; Buoyant
Laiana		Unisex	Loving; Graceful; Charming
Leina		Girl	Weaver
Malu		Girl	One who brings peace
Kaikoa		Unisex	Sea warrior
Kaileah		Girl	Clear and bright
Keilana		Girl	Joyful ocean
Neilani		Unisex	Beautiful spirit of the sky
Dreya		Unisex	Unique; Vibrant
Jhase		Boy	Healer
Keo		Unisex	Strong and courageous
Nalu		Unisex	Wave; Surf
Eusebio		Boy	One who worships well
Keimoni		Boy	The ocean of uniqueness or knowledge
Kalino		Boy	The brilliant one
Kawika		Boy	Favorite; Beloved Friend
Nainoa		Boy	One who guards the kids or small children
Lilinoe		Girl	Fine mist; Cool mist

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.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team