Hawaiian names are known for their flowing sounds, rich cultural roots, and close ties to the islands. Many draw imagery from the ocean, sky, plants, and cherished values, which gives them a warm and poetic feel.
Whether you have family connections to Hawaii or simply love the Hawaiian language, these Hawaiian girl names and Hawaiian boy names offer plenty of inspiration. You will also find Hawaiian middle names, nicknames, and last names to consider as you search for a name that feels right for your baby.
Hawaiian Names for Girls and Boys
Hawaiian baby names often honor harmony, family, and the world around us. The names below bring together options connected to place, story, and heritage so you can explore what fits your family best.
Hawaiian Girl Names
Hawaiian girl names frequently reflect emotion, place, and cultural stories. Some come from traditional chants or mythology, while others are inspired by the islands’ landscapes and everyday life.
14 Popular Hawaiian Girl Names
These popular Hawaiian girl names are heard often in Hawaiʻi and beyond. Their familiar sounds and meaningful origins make them appealing choices for many families.
1. A’ala — “royal”
2. Alana — “awakening” or “beautiful offering”
3. Kaia — “the sea”
4. Kailani — “sea and sky”
5. Kaulana — “popular” or “famous”
6. Leiko — “little flower”
7. Leilani — “heavenly flowers” or “royal child”
8. Lilo — “generous one”
9. Maile — “vine”
10. Malia — “peaceful”
11. Moana — “ocean”
12. Noelani — “heavenly mist”
13. Okalani — “of the heavens”
14. Ulani — “cheerful”
15 Traditional Hawaiian Girl Names
Traditional Hawaiian girl names are often passed down through generations and tied to ancestral stories or spiritual symbolism. This group highlights names that carry long-standing cultural significance.
1. Anuhea — “cool fragrance”
2. Hanalei — “crescent bay” or “garden valley”
3. Hina — goddess of the moon in Polynesian mythology
4. Iune — Hawaiian name for June
5. Kakalina — “pure”
6. Ke’ala — “the path”
7. Lanakila — “victory”
8. Luana — “enjoyment” or “happiness”
9. Makanui — “eyes of greatness”
10. Mileka — “queen”
11. Momilani — “pearl from heaven”
12. Nani — “beautiful”
13. Nohealani — “beauty from heaven”
14. Ona — “gracefulness” or “sweetness”
15. Pelekila — “ancient” or “venerable”
13 Less Common Hawaiian Girl Names
Families who prefer names that are not heard as often may be drawn to this set of less common Hawaiian girl names. Their sounds and meanings give them a memorable, distinctive feel.
1. Akela — “noble”
2. Apikalia — “my father’s joy”
3. Elikapeka — “god is my oath”
4. Hokulani — “heavenly star”
5. Iolana — “to soar like a hawk”
6. Kamaya — “precious one”
7. Kealoha — “loved one”
8. Keone — “the sand”
9. Oke — “deer lover”
10. Puanani — “beautiful flower”
11. Talei — “precious”
12. Uraim — “fruit of the earth”
13. Waiola — “violet flower”
Hawaiian Boy Names
Hawaiian boy names often connect to themes like courage, wisdom, leadership, and the natural world. Many are linked to chiefs, cultural heroes, or traditional stories that remain important today.
14 Popular Hawaiian Boy Names
These popular Hawaiian boy names are well-known for their approachable sounds and meaningful roots. Many reference the sea, protection, or spiritual ideas that resonate with families.
1. Alapai — “counselor” or “advisor”
2. Ekewaka — “wealthy protector”
3. Hake — “fish”
4. Ioane — “god is gracious”
5. Iokepa — “god will increase”
6. Kai — “the sea”
7. Kana’i — “strong warrior” or “conqueror”
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8. Keanu — “Cool breeze”
9. Lono — the god of agriculture
10. Makoa — “brave man”
11. Maleko — “warlike” or “dedicated to the god of war; Mars”
12. Nainoa — “protector of children”
13. Oliwa — “olive tree”
14. Peni — “son of my right hand”
12 Traditional Hawaiian Boy Names
Traditional Hawaiian boy names reflect values, mythology, and leadership qualities that have been honored for generations. This list includes names connected to chiefs, gods, and cultural figures.
1. Aikane — “friend”
2. Ailani — “high chief”
3. Haloa — “eternal breath”
4. Haulani — “royal ruler”
5. Ikaika — “strong”
6. Kaeo — “full of knowledge”
7. Lakalo — “god is my helper”
8. Lokela — “famous warrior”
9. Makaha — “fierce” or “savage”
10. Maui — the trickster god in Polynesian mythology
11. Palani — “free man”
12. Wakea — “heaven” or “sky”
13 Less Common Hawaiian Boy Names
If you are looking for Hawaiian boy names that feel a bit more distinctive, this group offers options that are used less frequently. Their meanings and sound patterns make them stand out while staying true to Hawaiian roots.
1. Aheahe — “gentle breeze”
2. Akahi — “first”
3. Hailama — “famous brother”
4. Hanin — “yearning”
5. Hau’oli — “happiness”
6. Kahale — “home”
7. Kapua — “flower” or “child”
8. Koukakala — “dark river”
9. Lanakila — “victory”
10. Liko — “leaf bud”
11. Mele — “song”
12. Nahele — “forest”
13. Uluwehi — “flourishing plants” or “lush garden”
11 Hawaiian Middle Names
Hawaiian middle names can be a meaningful way to honor heritage or add cultural depth to your baby’s full name. This list includes girl, boy, and gender-neutral options that pair well with many first names and reflect cherished Hawaiian values.
1. Ali’ikai — “queen of the sea’
2. Anela — “angel”
3. Hali’a — “sudden remembrance”
4. Hiapo — “firstborn”
5. Inoa — “namesake”
6. Kahikina — “the arrival”
7. Keli’i — “chief”
8. Koa — “warrior”
9. Mahoe — “twin”
10. Maka — “beloved”
11. Punahele — “favorite”
9 Hawaiian Nicknames
Hawaiian nicknames are often affectionate, playful, and inspired by personality or the environment. Many can stand alone as given names or serve as meaningful short forms for longer Hawaiian names.
1. Hoku — “star”
2. Kaiwi — “bones”
3. Kala — “lady”
4. Keiki — “child”
5. Lani — “heaven”
6. Mana — “spiritual power”
7. Manu — “bird”
8. Pono — “righteous”
9. Pua — “flower”
15 Hawaiian Last Names
Hawaiian last names carry deep connections to family, place, and ancestry. Many have origins tied to traditional roles, natural features, or spiritual ideas, making them rich in cultural meaning.
1. Akamu — “of the earth”
2. Hekekea — “Yahweh strengthens”
3. Iosua — “the lord is my salvation”
4. Kahananui — “great work”
5. Kamealoha — “the beloved one”
6. Kamehameha — “lonely”
7. Lee — English for “meadow”
8. Medeiros — Portuguese for where shocks of maize are gathered
9. Mahi’ai — “farmer”
10. Mahelona — “harp” or “pardon”
11. Opunui — “big-bellied”
12. Palakiko — “from France” or “free one”
13. Pauole — “never-ending”
14. Santos — Spanish for “saint”
15. Wong — Chinese for “yellow”
Choosing a Hawaiian name is a meaningful way to honor the spirit, language, and culture of the islands. Whether you are drawn to Hawaiian girl names, Hawaiian boy names, or meaningful middle names and surnames, each option reflects a sense of connection and aloha.
If you are exploring more globally inspired baby names, visit our Baby Names Hub or browse other origin-based lists like Mexican baby names, Spanish baby names, and Greek baby names for even more ideas.
