Many parents want to choose a baby name that holds some personal meaning—a name with a unique story their child will want to share with their friends and family. Today, many parents-to-be are considering Hawaiian baby names. They’re perfect for striking that balance between beauty and rarity. Hawaiian baby names also have an enchanting quality that’s hard to put into words. Adorable Hawaiian girl names have been climbing the charts, including Leilani (new to the top 100 in 2020), Ailany (the current top girl name in Maryland), and Naylani (one of the fastest rising girls’ names). Short and sweet boy names with Hawaiian origins, like Kai and Koa, are also becoming more and more popular.

On this list, you’ll find 70 Hawaiian baby names that are unique, meaningful, and full of the breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture of the Hawaiian islands. Whether you have Hawaiian heritage, were swept away by the island’s beauty when visiting, or love names with ties to nature and history, consider these picks.

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In this article
1 Hawaiian baby girl names
2 Hawaiian baby boy names
3 Gender-neutral Hawaiian baby names

Hawaiian baby girl names

A new little girl deserves a name that sums up just how beautiful she is—and there’s no better place to look than Hawaiian baby girl names. While Isla (meaning “island”) was actually the top girls’ name in Hawaii last year, according to the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), these rarer picks with Hawaiian origins are imbued with all the stunning beauty and fascinating culture of the famous islands.

Alani

This is an undeniably sweet choice for a little girl, with a Hawaiian translation of “orange” or “orange tree.” Other meanings include “little rock,” adding to its earthy, nature-inspired appeal.

Allinah

Related to the more common Alana, Allinah translates to “precious,” an all-too-perfect word to describe the new baby girl you’re welcoming to your family. The spelling is unique, yet the pronunciation is straightforward—the best of both worlds.

Auliʻi

Made famous by the actress, Auliʻi Carvalho, who voiced Moana in the epic Disney film, this Hawaiian baby name means “dainty,” “neat,” “perfect,” or “graceful.”

Kaila

For your future diva, Kaila is the perfect fit. The Hawaiian name translates to “stylish” and “fashionable.” A little one with this name is destined to be a cool girl.

Kiana

A variation of Diana, Kiana means “heavenly” or “divine.” It’s also associated with the Roman moon goddess, Diana, who was known for her strength and beauty.

Leilani

This name is rising in popularity, cracking the top 100 baby girl names for the first time in 2020. Leilani stems from two different words: lei, meaning “flowers,” and lani, meaning “of the sky or heavens.” Together, the name translates to “royal child of heaven.” A little girl with this title will certainly know just how special she is.

Luwana

Luwana is melodic and unique, rolling off the tongue beautifully. The Hawaiian translation is “to be at leisure.” For a chill baby who doesn’t make a fuss, this is a fitting name.

Makana

This Hawaiian name crowns your child as the treasure they are, with a charming translation of “gift.” It looks and sounds a lot like the more common “McKenna,” so if you’re looking for a more unique name, consider Makana.

Maleah

For the parents who hoped and prayed for a baby, Maleah is the perfect name. It translates to “wished-for child” and “beloved.” What could be more fitting?

Maylie

Modern and feminine, Maylie means “wildflower” and possesses all the spunky, girly energy your little one needs for their name.

Moana

It felt wrong to make a Hawaiian baby name list and not include Moana. Fittingly, it translates to “ocean,” a telling reminder of the brave protagonist of the Disney movie, who sails across the sea to save her people and her island.

Noelani

Lyrical and unique, Noelani means “heavenly mist,” painting beautiful pictures of the sun peeking through the clouds over the ocean. For parents who want a nature-inspired name, this is a great choice.

Ohana

Any Hawaiian baby name list would be incomplete without this one! Ohana is the Hawaiian word for family, and is an oh-so-precious title for a baby girl with strong family ties.

Olina

Olina is simple and beautiful, translating to “joy.” Is there any better way to describe the feeling of welcoming new life into the world?

Pali

All parents want to see their little ones grow up and leave their mark on the world. Pali is the perfect title for a baby with big things ahead, translating to “bird.” With a name like this one, your kiddo is destined to spread their wings.

Wikolia

Wikolia is considered to be the Hawaiian adaptation of the classic English name Victoria. It translates to “victorious” or “lady of victory.” For a little one with lots of success ahead, this is a charming choice.

baby on the beach
Source: Ebony Forsyth | Dupe

More baby girl names with Hawaiian origins

  • Ailani/Ailany: means “high chief,” “heavenly,” or “shining light.”
  • Anela: means “angel” or “messenger.”
  • Iolani: means “to fly like a hawk” or “royal hawk of the heavens.”
  • Kaia: means “the sea.”
  • Kahlia: means “the desired one” or “the beloved one.”
  • Kalae: means “clear” or “clear sky.”
  • Kehlani/Kailani: means “heavenly sea.”
  • Laka: means “Goddess of Hula.”
  • Mahina: means “moon,” “moonlight,” or “moon glow.”
  • Malia: means “beloved” or “star of the sea.”
  • Nani: means “beauty” or “splendor.”
  • Nālani/Naylani: “heaven” or “sky.”
  • UÊ»ilaniuil: means “heavenly beauty.”

Hawaiian baby boy names

For a baby boy, picking a name can be difficult. Luckily, these Hawaiian boy names are simple and strong, just the kind of title your little one will be proud to sport.

Aukai

Translating to “sailor,” Aukai is a fitting title for a little boy destined to spend more time in the water than out of it.

Iakona

Derived from the Hebrew name Jason, Iakona is a masculine Hawaiian variant. It even has the same charming translation: “healer.”

Keanu

It’s hard to think of this name without referring to the Canadian actor Keanu Reeves, but don’t worry—the title has plenty of meaning on its own. Top translations include “cool breeze” and “cool breeze over the mountains.”

Keoni

For a baby raised in faith, Keoni is both culturally and spiritually rich, translating to “God is gracious.” It’s thought to be the Hawaiian variant of the ever-so-popular English boy’s name John.

Kimo

Kimo is the Hawaiian version of James or Jim and translates to “supplanter.” It’s a short and sweet baby name that holds lots of meaning.

Koa

This three-letter option has a fitting meaning for a little boy with lots of fighting spirit: “warrior,” or “valiant one.” Short but powerful, this Hawaiian baby boy name has been steadily rising in popularity since 2017. Professional soccer player Kealia Watt and her husband, NFL star JJ Watt, chose Koa as the name for their first son in 2022.

Laakea

Laakea is a blend of the word la’a, meaning “sacred,” and kea, meaning “white” or “clear.” When used together, this name can mean “sacred light” or “sacred things,” a perfect combination for a special baby.

Lei

If you’ve ever travelled to Hawaii and attended a luau, you’ve probably seen a Lei—the flower garland gifted to attendees. As a boy name, Lei is a Hawaiian title your little one will wear with pride. It has plenty of ties to nature and natural beauty.

Maleko

While its Hawaiian origins may not make this evident, Maleko is actually tied to the ancient Roman God of war, Mars. For a little boy with lots of strength and valor, this traditional Hawaiian name is perfect.

Maluhia

Deeply serene, Maluhia is a Hawaiian baby name that translates to “calmness” or “tranquility.” For a baby living the island life, this is an adorable (and hopeful) choice.

Māui

Multiple images may come to mind when you see this name: the well-known Hawaiian island, or perhaps the trickster demigod from the 2016 Disney film Moana. Regardless, Maui has strong Hawaiian roots and ties to legendary figures.

Mikala

Blending Hebrew and Hawaiian origins, Mikala is a variant of Michael and means “who is like God?” It is a distinct version of a very common name with strong cultural roots.

Nainoa

In Hawaiian culture, bonds between family members are paramount, and Nainoa honors just this. The title translates to “the namesakes,” speaking to familial ties with grandparents, great-grandparents, and other ancestors.

Nakoa

Nakoa is a masculine name that translates to “the warriors.” This powerful Hawaiian title will give them built-in strength, even in the face of adversity.

Pika

Serving as the Hawaiian version of the English name Peter, Pika translates to “stone” or “rock,” symbolizing strength and stability. For boys, short and sweet names are just so perfect.

More Hawaiian baby boy names

  • Akamu: means “of the Earth” or “red Earth.”
  • Hoku: means “star” or “night of the full moon.”
  • Ikaika: means “strong,” “powerful,” or “mighty.”
  • Kāne: means “man,” “creator,” or “giver of life.”
  • Keli’i: means “chief” or “noble.”
  • Koah: means “warrior” or “Koah tree.”
  • Kekoa: means “the warrior” or “the brave one.”
  • Makaio: means “gift of God.”
  • Nalu: means “wave” or “surf.”
  • Pi’ilani: means “ascent to heaven” or “heavenly connection.”
mom and baby at the beach
Source: @tabbilane | Instagram

Gender-neutral Hawaiian baby names

For gender-neutral baby names, Hawaiian names have plenty to choose from. Each pick on this list is charming, adorable, and rich with history.

Akala

This perfectly woven name is pleasing to the ear and oh-so-sweet. It translates to “whole” and “entire,” fitting meanings for a baby who completes your world.

Calayah

Sunny and full of ties to nature, Calayah means “flower wreath” and “beloved.” It is the perfect gender neutral pick for a baby who is a blossoming beauty.

Kai

Though many declare Kai a traditionally Hawaiian name, its roots hail from all over the world—Latin, Greek, German, and Japanese. Hawaiian translations for the title include “sea” and “pure.”

Kalani

Kalani is a precious baby name translating to “the heavens.” For a little one with this name, the sky is the limit for all they can do!

Kanai’i

Kanai’i’s strong Hawaiian roots and lyrical sound make it a no-brainer for parents looking for a name with cultural significance. Translations include “strong warrior.”

Keo

This Hawaiian name is all about abundance, with meanings like “God will increase” and “He may add.” For the long-awaited special addition to your family, this is the perfect title.

Lanai

Another name you’ll likely recognize if you’ve ever visited the Hawaiian islands. A Lanai is the Hawaiian word for a veranda or balcony.

Makani

If you’re looking for a nature-inspired name with a touch of mystery and intrigue, Makani is perfect. The Hawaiian baby name translates to “wind” or “ghost.”

Mano

For the little one already sprouting their sea legs, Mano couldn’t be more perfect. It translates to “shark” and is ideal for the baby who lives by the ocean.

Nahele

Despite images of beaches and oceans coming to mind when we think of Hawaii, mountains and greenery are equally present—and Nahele captures that! The name translates to “forest,” “grove,” and “wilderness.”

More gender neutral Hawaiian baby names

  • Eleu: means “alert,” “lively,” “nimble,” or “energetic.”
  • Halia: means “remembrance of a loved one,” “fond memory,” or “cherished recollection.”
  • Hauoli: means “happiness” or “good fortune.”
  • Kalai: means “peace,” “art,” or “the sea.”
  • Kaloni: means “the heavens” or “royal one.”
  • Kawai: means “the water” or “coming from the water.”
  • Lahahana: means “warmth of the sun.”
  • Lehua: means “the flower of the ‘ƌhi’a tree.”
  • Nohea: means “beautiful,” “handsome,” or “lovely.”
  • Palila: means “bird” (refers to the golden-headed Hawaiian honeycreeper)
Rebecca Smith
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Smith, Editorial Assistant

As an Editorial Assistant, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented.

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