359 Hawaiian Baby Names With Meanings

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
heart image Aelan Baby Girl Sign Girl A flower; A beautiful flower
heart image Ahe Unisex Baby Sign Unisex softly blowing breeze
heart image Aheahe Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A variant of Ahe
heart image Aiden Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Little fire
heart image Ailana Baby Girl Sign Girl Strength of God; The memory of the lord
heart image Ailani Baby Boy Sign Boy Chief; Leader
heart image Ailany Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Seren; Tranquil
heart image Aiona Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Everlasting love or eternal flame
heart image Akamai Baby Girl Sign Girl Smart; Intelligent; Wise
heart image Akamu Baby Boy Sign Boy Of the Red Earth
heart image Akela Baby Boy Sign Boy Happy Joy; Feeling pleasure; Contented; Pleased
heart image Alakai Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The leader; Guidance
heart image Aleka Baby Girl Sign Girl Defender of mankind
heart image Alikae Baby Girl Sign Girl Protector
heart image Allanna Baby Girl Sign Girl Serenity; Calmness; Tranquility
heart image Aloha Baby Girl Sign Girl Loving; Kind-hearted
heart image Alohi Baby Girl Sign Girl Brilliant; Shining
heart image Anuhea Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Beautiful, gentle, heavenly
heart image Aria Baby Girl Sign Girl Lioness; Air; Melody
heart image Aukai Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sea traveler
heart image Aulani Baby Girl Sign Girl King's messenger
heart image Aulii Baby Girl Sign Girl Something which is very delicious
heart image Ava Baby Girl Sign Girl Guarantee
heart image Bane Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of consolation; Son of the Prophet; Long-awaited child
heart image Boiken Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong; Brave; Resolute
heart image Caleb Baby Boy Sign Boy Faithful as a dog; Brave; Devoted to God; Whole-hearted
heart image Chloe Baby Girl Sign Girl Fresh blooming; Ripe green shoot
heart image Dalinar Baby Boy Sign Boy Strength; Warrior; Noble
heart image Darriel Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong; Charismatic; Determined
heart image Deaton Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong and courageous
heart image Dreya Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Unique; Vibrant
heart image Ele Baby Girl Sign Girl The black; Shining one
heart image Elijah Baby Boy Sign Boy Yahweh is my God
heart image Elta Baby Boy Sign Boy The lord is my God
heart image Emma Baby Girl Sign Girl Whole; Universal
heart image Etana Baby Boy Sign Boy A Hawaiian word meaning strong
heart image Ethan Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong
heart image Eusebio Baby Boy Sign Boy One who worships well
heart image Ezekiel Baby Boy Sign Boy Strength of God
heart image Halani Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Breath of heaven; Heavenly home
heart image Haleigha Baby Boy Sign Boy House of the Rising Sun
heart image Halia Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Remembrance of a loved one; Memorial
heart image Hanalei Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Polynesian paradise
heart image Hannia Baby Girl Sign Girl Gift from God
heart image Haulani Baby Boy Sign Boy Royal ruler; Heavenly ice
heart image Haunani Baby Girl Sign Girl Beauty; heavenly; beloved
heart image Hikialani Baby Boy Sign Boy Looking up at heaven
heart image Hilo Baby Boy Sign Boy First night after the new Moon
heart image Hinano Baby Girl Sign Girl Flower blossom
heart image Hoku Baby Girl Sign Girl Star
heart image Honalei Baby Girl Sign Girl Heavenly land
heart image Ikaika Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong or Man of strength
heart image Isabella Baby Girl Sign Girl God is my oath
heart image Iselle Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God is my oath
heart image Jessamae Baby Girl Sign Girl Graceful and harmonious
heart image Jhase Baby Boy Sign Boy Healer
heart image Joeli Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God is willing
heart image Kaelani Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Heavenly or royal spirit
heart image Kaeo Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong
heart image Kahale Baby Girl Sign Girl House
heart image Kahawai Baby Boy Sign Boy River
heart image Kahealani Baby Girl Sign Girl The call of heaven, The heavenly mist
heart image Kahi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Ocean or sea
heart image Kahiau Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Selfless generosity
heart image Kahikilani Baby Boy Sign Boy Arrival of the chief
heart image Kahikina Baby Boy Sign Boy East; Arrival
heart image Kahili Baby Boy Sign Boy Feather standard or rainbow part
heart image Kahlani Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Heavenly; The heavens
heart image Kahli Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Man; Army; Immortal; Everlasting
heart image Kahlia Baby Girl Sign Girl Keeper of the Keys
heart image Kahoku Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Star
heart image Kaholo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Nimble
heart image Kahoni Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Kiss
heart image Kahua Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Base or foundation
heart image Kahuna Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The hidden secret
heart image Kaia Baby Girl Sign Girl From the Earth; Sea; Rejoice; Pure; Each of the two
heart image Kaiana Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sea and sky
heart image Kaiel Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God is my warrior
heart image Kaiholo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Moving sea, running current
heart image Kaikane Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong Sea
heart image Kaiko Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sea with strong current
heart image Kaikoa Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sea warrior
heart image Kailana Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sea or sky princess
heart image Kailani Baby Girl Sign Girl Sea and Sky; Ocean and sky; Heaven; The royal one
heart image Kailany Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sea and sky
heart image Kaileah Baby Girl Sign Girl Clear and bright
heart image Kailia Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Joyful sea; Sea of joy
heart image Kaimana Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Power of the ocean; Diamond
heart image Kaimee Baby Boy Sign Boy Seeker
heart image Kaimi Baby Boy Sign Boy Seeker
heart image Kainalu Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sea wave
heart image Kainoa Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The free-flowing ocean
heart image Kainona Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sea with no restrictions
heart image Kaipo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The sweetheart
heart image Kairin Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Peaceful
heart image Kaiulani Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Royal and sacred one
heart image Kalama Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The torch; Flaming torch
heart image Kalani Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Heaven; Sky; Royal one
heart image Kalea Baby Girl Sign Girl Joy; Happiness
heart image Kaleho Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Cowry Shell
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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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