227 Hawaiian Baby Boy Names With Meanings
Ride the tropical waves of inspiration with these unique and vibrant monikers.
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Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Hawaiian baby boy names reflect the island's scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. These names are deeply rooted in Hawaiian traditions, elegantly reflecting the cross-generational bonds they hold. North American and East Asian cultures strongly influence Hawaiian culture. Indigenous Hawaiian tribes also played a prominent role in shaping the Hawaiian naming system. Generally, Hawaiian baby names draw inspiration from Hawaiian landscapes. Hence, they are often connected to the island's beaches, white sand, flora, and fauna. However, Hawaiian names can also be given to remember ancestors, historical events, and stories (moʻolelo) (1). The naming ritual is one of the most important ceremonies in Hawaiian culture. Ancestral Hawaiians believed overtly meaningful names attracted negative forces. Also, they believed that names could shape one's destiny. Hence, careful selection of names is given utmost importance in the culture. Genuine Hawaiian names defy gender norms, often carrying explicit connotations and occasionally exclusive emblems tied to a lineage. These names encapsulate individual life narratives, bearing profound importance. When articulated in Hawaiian, the significance resonates with speakers, the language itself conveying the weight to listeners. In Hawaiian tradition, three name types show the link between people and the spirit world: night-dream names (inoa pō), sign names (inoa hō‘ailona), and voice names (inoa 'ūlāleo). Night-dream names come from a relative's dream, whereas Sign names arise when a family member sees special signs like cloud shapes or bird flights, revealing a name. Voice names come from mystical voices heard in the wind. Bestowing these names to a child is believed to be the way to connect to the higher cosmic order (2). If Hawaiian naming practices allure you, we have compiled a list of Hawaiian baby boy names that are stylish and one-of-a-kind. Scroll down and explore to find charming monikers as vibrant as Hawaiian culture.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
Olman
|
Boy |
Servant of the Gods | |
|
Onaona
|
Boy |
The one with a pleasing fragrance | |
|
Pazhani
|
Unisex |
A free and independent being | |
|
Pekelo
|
Boy |
Name for a stone or a rock | |
|
Peni
|
Boy |
Son of the South; Son of the right hand | |
|
Pua
|
Unisex |
Flower | |
|
Puanani
|
Unisex |
Beautiful flower | |
|
Puna
|
Unisex |
A water spring | |
|
Pupu
|
Unisex |
A term for appetizers or snacks | |
|
Rhaine
|
Unisex |
Graceful; Serene; Ethereal | |
|
Rira
|
Unisex |
River; Flowing river | |
|
Saia
|
Unisex |
God is salvation; Sea; Ocean; Cassia tree | |
|
Saila
|
Unisex |
Peaceful, serene, calming | |
|
Shalia
|
Unisex |
Graceful; Compassionate; Serene | |
|
Shaliah
|
Unisex |
Messenger; God's representative | |
|
Shylin
|
Unisex |
Unique; Mysterious; Enchanting | |
|
Tahiri
|
Unisex |
Pure, virtuous, radiant soul | |
|
Talei
|
Unisex |
Radiant, charming, joyous | |
|
Tangi
|
Unisex |
To cry with great sadness | |
|
Tava
|
Unisex |
Star or one who shines brightly | |
|
Tei
|
Unisex |
Shine; Gift from God | |
|
Tiki
|
Unisex |
Exotic, playful, Polynesian | |
|
Ulani
|
Unisex |
Cheerful; heavenly; Heavenly sunshine | |
|
Yancy
|
Unisex |
Strong, adventurous, determined | |
|
Yanelie
|
Unisex |
God is gracious | |
|
Zailah
|
Unisex |
Exalted, independent, confident | |
|
Zienna
|
Unisex |
Unique; Graceful; Divine | |
Infographic: Joyful Hawaiian Baby Boy Names
The islands of Hawaii are known for their verdant beauty and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The region is a picture-perfect confluence of flora and fauna, with natural beauty at its finest. If this sublime charm of Hawaii is what you are fond of, you may consider a Hawaiian name for your son. The following infographic presents some of the best Hawaiian baby boy names for you to explore.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which Hawaiian boy name means gift from God?
Among the unique names for boys in Hawaii, Makana is a unisex name that means ‘gift’ or ‘gift from God,’ Keona means ‘God’s gracious gift,’ and Ionakana implies ‘a gift from God.’ These are beautiful choices for boys.
2. Which Hawaiian boy names mean sky?
Kalon is a popular Hawaiian name for boys that means ‘the sky’ and has drawn inspiration from the God of the Sky and his characteristics. Additionally, Aouli is another traditional name that has Hawaiian roots and means ‘the limitless blue sky.’
3. Which Hawaiian boy name means love?
In the Hawaiian language, Aloha means ‘love.’ Therefore, any name that contains the word aloha symbolizes love. For example, Kealoha is a unisex name that means ‘the loved one,’ where ke denotes a definite article. Pilialoha is another traditional Hawaiian name that means ‘beloved’ or ‘a bond of love.’
4. What is the meaning of the name "Kai" in Hawaiian?
Kai in Hawaiian is a unisex name that means ‘sea.’ Some other Hawaiian names that mean sea are Kaiholo (running current), Kaiko (sea with strong current), and Kaikane (strong sea).
5. What are some Hawaiian baby boy names that are easy to pronounce?
Names like Kai meaning ‘sea’ (k-eye), Koa means ‘warrior’ (koh-ah), Nalu means ‘wave’ (nah-loo), Liko means ‘bud’ (lee-koh), Makaio means ‘gift of Yahweh’ (mah-kah-ee-oh), and Nainoa means ‘the namesakes’ (nah-ee-noh-ah) are easy to pronounce. However, keep in mind that pronunciation can vary, and it's always a good idea to consult with a native Hawaiian speaker to ensure accurate pronunciation.
6. What are some Hawaiian baby boy names with historical significance?
Hawaii has a rich history and culture, among which Kamehameha is a name that symbolizes ‘the quiet one.’ It was the name of the legendary founder and first King of Hawaii and was referred to as Kamehameha the Great by the local people (3). Kaheliki is another name for boys in Hawaiian culture that implies ‘the thunder’ and was the name of the 13th and 25th Chiefs or Mōʻī of the Māui people of Hawaii.
7. What are some Hawaiian baby boy names that are suitable for twins?
Some Hawaiian names that could be suitable for twins are Alo means ‘the face’ and Aloiki means ‘renowned war’, Mamo means ‘yellow bird’ and Manu means ‘bird’, Kai means ‘sea’ and Kainalu means ‘surf’, and Oliwa means ‘olive tree’ and Onaona means ‘sweet fragrance.’ It's always a good idea to research the meanings and cultural significance of the names you are considering to ensure they align with your intentions.
References
- Native Hawaiian Cultural Heritage.
https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/heritage/kapainoa.html - Hawaiian Naming Traditions: A Cultural Legacy
http://www.bigislandtalkstory.org/talk-stories/hawaiian-naming-traditions-a-cultural-legacy-ke-ola-magazine-sept-oct-20209945271 - Kamehameha the Great.
https://www.nps.gov/puhe/learn/historyculture/kamehameha.ht
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
