235 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 includeAhemeaning soft breeze;Kaiona, meaning ocean, andLani, 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 asOline, meaning joyful andKeonemeaning 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 年代trength of God; The memory of the lord
heart image Ailani Baby Boy Sign Boy Chief; Leader
heart image Akamai Baby Girl Sign Girl 年代mart; 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 Aleka Baby Girl Sign Girl Defender of mankind
heart image Alikae Baby Girl Sign Girl Protector
heart image Allanna Baby Girl Sign Girl 年代erenity; Calmness; Tranquility
heart image Aloha Baby Girl Sign Girl Loving; Kind-hearted
heart image Alohi Baby Girl Sign Girl 辉煌的;闪亮的
heart image Aria Baby Girl Sign Girl Lioness; Air; Melody
heart image Aulani Baby Girl Sign Girl King's messenger
heart image Aulii Baby Girl Sign Girl 年代omething which is very delicious
heart image Ava Baby Girl Sign Girl Guarantee
heart image Bane Baby Boy Sign Boy 年代on of consolation; Son of the Prophet; Long-awaited child
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 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 年代trong
heart image Eusebio Baby Boy Sign Boy One who worships well
heart image Ezekiel Baby Boy Sign Boy 年代trength of God
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 Haulani Baby Boy Sign Boy Royal ruler; Heavenly ice
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 Hoku Baby Girl Sign Girl 年代tar
heart image Honalei Baby Girl Sign Girl Heavenly land
heart image Isabella Baby Girl Sign Girl God is my oath
heart image Kaeo Baby Boy Sign Boy 年代trong
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 Kahiau Unisex Baby Sign Unisex 年代elfless 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 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 年代tar
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 Kaiholo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Moving sea, running current
heart image Kaikane Baby Boy Sign Boy 年代trong Sea
heart image Kaiko Unisex Baby Sign Unisex 年代ea with strong current
heart image Kailani Baby Girl Sign Girl 年代ea and Sky; Ocean and sky; Heaven; The royal one
heart image Kaileah Baby Girl Sign Girl Clear and bright
heart image Kaimana Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Power of the ocean; Diamond
heart image Kaimee Baby Boy Sign Boy 年代eeker
heart image Kaimi Baby Boy Sign Boy 年代eeker
heart image Kainalu Unisex Baby Sign Unisex 年代ea wave
heart image Kainoa Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The free-flowing ocean
heart image Kainona Unisex Baby Sign Unisex 年代ea with no restrictions
heart image Kaipo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The sweetheart
heart image Kaiulani Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Royal and sacred one
heart image Kalani Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Heaven; Sky; Royal one
heart image Kalea Baby Girl Sign Girl 快乐;幸福
heart image Kaleho Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Cowry Shell
heart image Kalei Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The child; The flowers
heart image Kaleia Baby Girl Sign Girl Curled flower; Twisted flower
heart image Kaleighia Baby Girl Sign Girl 幸福or bliss; Flowers
heart image Kaleo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex 年代ound; Voice
heart image Kalino Baby Boy Sign Boy The brilliant one
heart image Kalon Baby Boy Sign Boy 年代ky
heart image Kalona Baby Girl Sign Girl 年代ky in Hawaiian; Singer in Hebrew; Plain
heart image Kaloni Baby Girl Sign Girl 年代ky, the Rroyal one
heart image Kamalei Baby Girl Sign Girl Beloved child
heart image Kamaya Baby Girl Sign Girl Precious one
heart image Kamea Baby Girl Sign Girl The one and only
heart image Kanani Baby Girl Sign Girl The one who is beautiful
heart image Kani Baby Girl Sign Girl 年代ound
heart image Kanoa Baby Boy Sign Boy The free one
heart image Kanuha Baby Boy Sign Boy The sulky one
heart image Kapena Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Captain
heart image Kapono Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Righteous
heart image Kapueo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Owl in Hawaiian
heart image Kapula Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Prayer
heart image Kapuni Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Favorite One
heart image Kaua Baby Boy Sign Boy 年代ensitive; One who is sensitive by nature
heart image Kaui Baby Boy Sign Boy The youth is beautiful
heart image Kawena Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The rosy glow in the sky
heart image Kawika Baby Boy Sign Boy Favorite; Beloved Friend
heart image Kawikani Baby Boy Sign Boy The one who is strong
heart image Kayl Baby Boy Sign Boy The man who is free
heart image Kaylani Baby Girl Sign Girl Ocean; Sky
heart image Keahi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Fire
heart image Keahilani Unisex Baby Sign Unisex 天堂之火
heart image Keala Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The path; The road
heart image Kealamauloa Baby Boy Sign Boy The eternal path or the path of eternity
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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 high-quality PDF version by clicking below.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download 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?

年代everal 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?

年代everal 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?

年代ome 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:

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