Hawaiian names belong to the Polynesian branch of Austronesian languages. This collection contains 100 Hawaiian names with their meanings, cultural backgrounds, and pronunciation guides. You'll find 12 names traditionally given to boys and 61 names for girls, reflecting naming patterns from Hawaii and Polynesia. These names carry the linguistic heritage and cultural values of Hawaiian-speaking communities. Common themes include nature, love, angel, showing what Hawaiian cultures have valued across generations.
This name derives from the Hawaiian “Kaylani,” composed of two elements: “kai” (ocean, sea) plus “lani” (sky, heaven). In turn, the name means “heavenly seas.”
This name derives from the Hawaiian “Kaylani,” composed of two elements: “kai” (ocean, sea) plus “lani” (sky, heaven). In turn, the name means “heavenly seas.”
This name derives from the Hawaiian “Kaylani,” composed of two elements: “kai” (ocean, sea) plus “lani” (sky, heaven). In turn, the name means “heavenly seas.”
Sweet, soft
Akua is a god-spirits in Hawaiian folk religion. (gods who created everything, and keeps everything working).
It is of Hawaiian origin, the translation of “plumeria (frangipani) flower.” Plumeria is a genus of flowering plants in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. It contains seven or eight species of mainly deciduous shrubs and small trees. They are native to Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America as far south as Brazil but can be grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions.
This name derives from the Hawaiian “Luana,” meaning “enjoyment, content, happy, to be at free time, being distracted.” Name of a fictitious princess in the play/film “Bird of paradise” by King Vidor.
Kaili is the name abbreviation of the Hawaiian deity “Kū-kaʻilimoku.” It is one of the four most important gods in Hawaiian paganism.
It is of Hawaiian origin, the translation of “plumeria (frangipani) flower.” Plumeria is a genus of flowering plants in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. It contains seven or eight species of mainly deciduous shrubs and small trees. They are native to Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America as far south as Brazil but can be grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions.
The maile is a long-lasting “lei” (garland) and probably the oldest and most popular material used in leis by the early Hawaiians. It is an open-ended horseshoe fashion “lei” made of the spicy scented green maile stems and leaves.
This name is a combination (composed, blended name) of “Louise” and “Anne.” It is of Germanic, Hebrew, and Hawaiian origin and comes from the following roots: (CHLODOVECH) (ḤANNĀH) and (LUANA). Luann is also a variation of Hawaiian name Luana.
This name derives from Hawaiian name “Kaliʻa,” composed of two elements: “ka,” meaning (the) plus “liʻa,” meaning (desire). In turn, the name means “the desire, the beloved, waited for.” Kaliʻa is also a type of flowering tree native to Hawaii.
The flower wreath, The child
unique, precious
Sanoe is the Hawaiian word meaning “the mist that drifts over our mountains.” It alludes to the man drifting in like the mist to see his “ipo” (sweetheart). Sanoe is a famous song composed by Queen Liliuokalani, who wrote the words and the music.
The sweetheart
This name derives from the Hawaiian “kiele,” meaning “gardenia, gardenia fragrance.”
This name derives from the Hawaiian “ke anu”, meaning “chill breeze, cool breeze”. This name increases its popularity thanks to “Keanu Charles Reeves” (born in 1964), Canadian actor, director, and musician.
This name is of Hawaiian origin, composed of two elements: “ke” (a definite article) plus “ala” (path). In turn, the name means “the path.” Ala in Hawaiian also means “fragrance; esteemed person.”
The commoner
It is of Hawaiian origin, the translation of “plumeria (frangipani) flower.” Plumeria is a genus of flowering plants in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. It contains seven or eight species of mainly deciduous shrubs and small trees. They are native to Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America as far south as Brazil but can be grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions.
Cool fragrance
Royal messenger, heavenly traveller
The sky or heavens, the royal chieftain
The lama tree
The red-hot glow (Hawaiian mythology) A name ascribed to a brother of Pele
This name derives from the Hawaiian “Ikaika,” meaning “strong.”
The hula dancer
The namesake
Kaili is the name abbreviation of the Hawaiian deity “Kū-kaʻilimoku.” It is one of the four most important gods in Hawaiian paganism.
This name derives from the Hawaiian “Luana,” meaning “enjoyment, content, happy, to be at free time, being distracted.” It is a Representation of a fictitious princess in the play/film “Bird of paradise” by King Vidor.
This name is a combination (composed, blended name) of “Louise” and “Anne.” It is of Germanic, Hebrew, and Hawaiian origin and comes from the following roots: (CHLODOVECH) (ḤANNĀH) and (LUANA). Luann is also a variation of Hawaiian name Luana.
This name derives from Hawaiian name “Kaliʻa,” composed of two elements: “ka,” meaning (the) plus “liʻa,” meaning (desire). In turn, the name means “the desire, the beloved, waited for.” Kaliʻa is also a type of flowering tree native to Hawaii.
This name derives from Hawaiian name “Kaliʻa,” composed of two elements: “ka,” meaning (the) plus “liʻa,” meaning (desire). In turn, the name means “the desire, the beloved, waited for.” Kaliʻa is also a type of flowering tree native to Hawaii.
This name derives from Hawaiian name “Kaliʻa,” composed of two elements: “ka,” meaning (the) plus “liʻa,” meaning (desire). In turn, the name means “the desire, the beloved, waited for.” Kaliʻa is also a type of flowering tree native to Hawaii.
The glow (Made famous by Mary Kawena Pukui, whose name was shortened from "Kawenaʻulaokalaniahiʻiakaikapoliopelekawahineʻaihonua" "The rosy glow of the sky of Hiʻiaka in the bosom of Pele, the earth-eating woman).
The family trait
This name is a combination (composed, blended name) of “Louise” and “Anne.” It is of Germanic, Hebrew, and Hawaiian origin and comes from the following roots: (CHLODOVECH) (ḤANNĀH) and (LUANA). Luann is also a variation of Hawaiian name Luana.
A fertile plain
The righteousness, the goodness
The mist, adorned with leis
It is of Hawaiian origin, the translation of “plumeria (frangipani) flower.” Plumeria is a genus of flowering plants in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. It contains seven or eight species of mainly deciduous shrubs and small trees. They are native to Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America as far south as Brazil but can be grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions.
The eyes, the beloved one, the bud or descendant
This name is of Hawaiian origin, composed of two elements: “ke” (a definite article) plus “ala” (path). In turn, the name means “the path.” Ala in Hawaiian also means “fragrance; esteemed person.”
Name of a native violet (lili (“jealousy”)
This name derives from Hawaiian name “Kaliʻa,” composed of two elements: “ka,” meaning (the) plus “liʻa,” meaning (desire). In turn, the name means “the desire, the beloved, waited for.” Kaliʻa is also a type of flowering tree native to Hawaii.
wild-flower
This name derives from the Hawaiian “lei > leilani,” meaning “heavenly lei, heavenly flowers.” Lei is a garland or wreath. More loosely defined, a Lei is any series of objects strung together with the intent to be worn. The most popular concept of a Lei in Hawaiian culture is a wreath of flowers presented upon arriving or leaving as a symbol of affection. A lei (nā lei is the plural in the Hawaiian language) may be composed of a pattern or series of just about anything, but most commonly consists of fresh, natural foliage such as flowers, leaves, vines, fern fronds, and seeds.
This name derives from Hawaiian name “Kaliʻa,” composed of two elements: “ka,” meaning (the) plus “liʻa,” meaning (desire). In turn, the name means “the desire, the beloved, waited for.” Kaliʻa is also a type of flowering tree native to Hawaii.
This name derives from the Hawaiian “Kamalei,” composed of two elements: the “kama” (child, person) plus “lei” (garland, wreath). In turn, the name means “lei child.” Lei is a garland or wreath. More loosely defined, a lei is any series of objects strung together with the intent to be worn. The most popular concept of a lei in Hawaiian culture is a wreath of flowers presented upon arriving or leaving as a symbol of affection. This concept was popularized through tourism between the Hawaiian Islands and the continental United States in the 19th and 20th-centuries.
This name derives from the Hawaiian “Kamalei,” composed of two elements: the “kama” (child, person) plus “lei” (garland, wreath). In turn, the name means “lei child.” Lei is a garland or wreath. More loosely defined, a lei is any series of objects strung together with the intent to be worn. The most popular concept of a lei in Hawaiian culture is a wreath of flowers presented upon arriving or leaving as a symbol of affection. This concept was popularized through tourism between the Hawaiian Islands and the continental United States in the 19th and 20th-centuries.
The maile vine
Billowy sea
Diamond, sea filled with mana (“power”)
royal frigatebird"; the bird was a symbol of beauty.
It is the name of a goddess (Hawaiian mythology). She is one of the twelve sisters of the volcano goddess Pele, especially the youngest and favorite one.
heavenly mist
beautiful snow", as on mountain tops in Hawaii
This name is of Hawaiian origin, composed of two elements: “hana-” (bay, valley) plus “lei” (garland, wreath; a necklace of flowers, leaves, shells, ivory, feathers, or paper, given as a symbol of affection). In turn, the name means “the valley of garland.”
Cherished with pride
It is a Hawaiian female given name, composed of two elements: “noe” (mist) plus “lani” (sky, heaven). In turn, the name means “heavenly mist.”
House of God
House of the rising sun
Sweet, soft
This name is of Hawaiian origin, composed of two elements: “kama” (child) plus “lani” (heaven, sky, royal, majesty). In turn, the name means “the great gift from heaven, the child of heaven.”
heavenly star
This name derives from the Hawaiian “Kamalei,” composed of two elements: the “kama” (child, person) plus “lei” (garland, wreath). In turn, the name means “lei child.” Lei is a garland or wreath. More loosely defined, a lei is any series of objects strung together with the intent to be worn. The most popular concept of a lei in Hawaiian culture is a wreath of flowers presented upon arriving or leaving as a symbol of affection. This concept was popularized through tourism between the Hawaiian Islands and the continental United States in the 19th and 20th-centuries.
Held in the arms of heaven (Hawaiian mythology) Any of the twelve sisters of the volcano goddess Pele, especially the youngest and favorite one.
This name derives from the HAWAIIAN “KA ʻUHANE”, composed of two elements: “ka” (the) and “ʻUHANE” (SOUL, SPIRIT).
the beloved one
heavenly mist
This name derives from the Hawaiian “kai,” from Proto-Polynesian “*tai,” meaning “sea”.
This name derives from the Hawaiian “Kamalei,” composed of two elements: the “kama” (child, person) plus “lei” (garland, wreath). In turn, the name means “lei child.” Lei is a garland or wreath. More loosely defined, a lei is any series of objects strung together with the intent to be worn. The most popular concept of a lei in Hawaiian culture is a wreath of flowers presented upon arriving or leaving as a symbol of affection. This concept was popularized through tourism between the Hawaiian Islands and the continental United States in the 19th and 20th-centuries.
heavenly brightness (Hawaiian mythology) A mythical heavenly land
It is a Hawaiian female given name, composed of two elements: “noe” (mist) plus “lani” (sky, heaven). In turn, the name means “heavenly mist.”
the heavenly water
the royal sacred one, name of the last crown princess of Hawaii
the heavenly arch, rainbow
Male (Hawaiian mythology) One of the four major gods; the god of creation.
This name derives from Hawaiian name “Kaliʻa,” composed of two elements: “ka,” meaning (the) plus “liʻa,” meaning (desire). In turn, the name means “the desire, the beloved, waited for.” Kaliʻa is also a type of flowering tree native to Hawaii.
Sanoe is the Hawaiian word meaning “the mist that drifts over our mountains.” It alludes to the man drifting in like the mist to see his “ipo” (sweetheart). Sanoe is a famous song composed by Queen Liliuokalani, who wrote the words and the music.
unique, precious
wooded
heavenly brightness (Hawaiian mythology) A mythical heavenly land
the beloved child to be looked upon with love and pride
This name derives from the Hawaiian and Kapingamarangi “mahina”, meaning “moon”. in turn this name derives from the Proto-Polynesian "*masina", meaning " moon, month". The name probably derives from the old Persian “mah”. Mah or Maonghah is the Avestan language word for both the moon and for the Zoroastrian divinity that presides over and is the hypostasis of the moon. The names 'Maonghah' and Mah derive from an Indo-European root that is also the origin of the English language word "moon." The Zoroastrian divinity has however no Vedic equivalent.
The yellow, the lazy one
The child of heaven
The water
Seafarer
The flower
white snow
The bud
The seeker
The peace
happiness
Famous
Seafarer
The sun
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Hawaiian names developed within the Polynesian branch of Austronesian languages. The naming traditions from Hawaii and Polynesia have evolved over centuries, shaped by migration, trade, religion, and cultural exchange. Today's Hawaiian names carry this history.
Hawaiian naming traditions reflect the values and beliefs of Hawaii and Polynesia. Names served multiple purposes: identifying individuals, honoring ancestors, expressing hopes for a child's future, and marking religious or cultural affiliation. These functions shaped which names became popular and how they were used.
Today, Hawaiian names appear far beyond Hawaii and Polynesia. Immigration, global media, and cultural exchange have made many Hawaiian names familiar worldwide. Parents choose these names to honor heritage, appreciate their meanings, or simply because they like how they sound. The 100 names in this collection range from ancient choices still popular today to names that have fallen out of use but retain historical interest.
Hawaiian names often describe natural phenomena, emotions, or spiritual concepts. The limited Hawaiian alphabet (13 letters) shapes available sounds. Names may be chosen for their mana (spiritual power) and meaning.
These traditional patterns still matter, but modern parents also mix things up. Some combine traditional and contemporary elements, pick names from other cultures, or create unique variations of classic names.
This collection breaks down to 12% masculine names (12) and 61% feminine names (61). About 27% (27) work as gender-neutral or unisex options.
Hawaiian pronunciation follows patterns that may differ from English. Here are key points for English speakers:
Hawaiian has only 13 letters, making pronunciation straightforward. The okina (glottal stop) between vowels is significant. Stress usually falls on the second-to-last syllable.
When in doubt about pronunciation, listening to native speakers helps more than reading transliterations. Each name page has a pronunciation guide. If you're considering a Hawaiian name for your child, say it out loud and think about how others in your community will pronounce it.
The 100 Hawaiian names in this collection offer choices ranging from familiar options to rare discoveries. Each carries cultural meaning from Hawaii and Polynesia.
Hawaiian names for girls outnumber those for boys in our collection. Many cultures have developed distinct naming traditions for each gender.
Current naming trends show renewed interest in heritage names, with parents seeking meaningful connections to cultural roots. Some Hawaiian names have crossed over to mainstream use, while others remain specific to Hawaiian-speaking communities.
Popular Hawaiian names for boys include Kailani, Kehlani, Kaylani, Hone, Akua. Our database contains 12 Hawaiian names traditionally given to boys, ranging from classic choices to unique options.
Our collection includes 61 Hawaiian names for girls. Popular choices blend traditional sounds with meaningful origins. Use the feminine tab to explore options organized by popularity.
Hawaiian names carry meanings from the Polynesian branch of Austronesian languages. Common themes in Hawaiian names include nature, love, angel, noble. Each name in our database includes its specific meaning and cultural context.
Hawaiian pronunciation follows specific patterns. Hawaiian has only 13 letters, making pronunciation straightforward. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide to help English speakers say the name correctly.
This database contains 100 Hawaiian names: 12 for boys and 61 for girls. This represents documented names that have been used historically or are in current use. The actual number of Hawaiian names ever used is certainly higher.
Spelling difficulty depends on the specific name and your familiarity with Hawaiian phonetics. Some Hawaiian names have been adapted to English spelling conventions, making them straightforward. Others retain original spellings that may be unfamiliar. Consider how important easy spelling is to you when choosing a name.