Names inspired by Hawaii evoke beauty, strength, and a deep connection to nature and culture. Whether you have Polynesian roots or are simply drawn to the language and spirit of the islands, Hawaiian names offer rich meaning and lyrical sound. Many are rooted in nature, spirituality, and family traditions — making them timeless and unique options for your baby.
From melodic Hawaiian girl names like Leilani and Kailani to bold Hawaiian boy names like Keanu and Makoa, this list celebrates names that honor heritage and reflect the islands’ peaceful yet powerful essence. You’ll also find culturally meaningful middle names, nicknames, and even Hawaiian last names that carry history and depth. Whether you’re seeking something poetic, powerful, or rooted in nature, there’s a Hawaiian name here that’s sure to speak to your heart.
Hawaiian Names for Girls and Boys
These Hawaiian baby names reflect the essence of the islands — blending natural beauty, spiritual meaning, and cultural heritage into names that feel both grounded and poetic.
Hawaiian Girl Names
Rooted in the spirit of aloha, these Hawaiian names for girls carry meanings tied to love, light, nature, and femininity. From names that honor ocean and sky to those inspired by mythology and emotion, this collection offers vibrant choices that feel both modern and deeply connected to tradition.
14 Popular Hawaiian Girl Names
Cherished for their gentle rhythm and deep cultural roots, these Hawaiian names for girls reflect everyday life, beauty, and connection across the islands. From breezy picks like Moana and Kaia to heavenly names like Noelani and Okalani, they remain meaningful and loved by many families today.
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
Many of these Hawaiian names for girls have been passed down through generations, carrying sacred meanings tied to nature, royalty, and ancestral stories. From Hina, the goddess of the moon, to Nohealani, meaning “beauty from heaven,” each name reflects a deep cultural legacy that continues to inspire families today.
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 Unique Hawaiian Girl Names
Some Hawaiian names for girls feel especially rare and unforgettable. From Hokulani, meaning “heavenly star,” to Waiola, meaning “violet flower”, this list of unique girl names offers poetic, culturally rich picks that reflect the islands’ spirit and individuality.
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
Rooted in strength, nature, and spiritual meaning, these Hawaiian names for boys reflect the bold, adventurous spirit of the islands. From names tied to ocean, wind, and forest to those honoring gods, warriors, and chiefs, this collection of Hawaiian names for boys blends cultural legacy with lyrical sound.
14 Popular Hawaiian Boy Names
Well-loved and rich in cultural meaning, these Hawaiian names for boys draw inspiration from nature, strength, and spirituality. From Keanu, meaning “cool breeze,” to Makoa, meaning “brave man,” each one reflects qualities like peace and connection to the islands.
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”
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
Celebrating ancient values and timeless meanings, these Hawaiian names for boys reflect leadership, spirituality, and natural strength. From mythological references like Maui to noble titles like Ailani and Palani, each name highlights cultural depth and enduring significance in Hawaiian tradition.
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 Unique Hawaiian Boy Names
With poetic meaning and deep ties to nature and spirit, these Hawaiian names for boys stand out for their originality. From Aheahe (“gentle breeze”) to Nahele (“forest”), each one brings a soulful and distinctive quality to this list of unique boy names.
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
Meaningful and rooted in tradition, these Hawaiian names for boys make beautiful choices for first or middle names. From poetic picks like Aheahe, meaning “gentle breeze,” to symbolic names like Lanakila, meaning “victory,” each one reflects the spirit of the islands.
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
In Hawaiian culture, many tropical names double as affectionate short forms tied to love, nature, and spirit. From Hoku, meaning “star,” to Keiki, meaning “child,” these nicknames reflect deep bonds with the elements and cultural meaning.
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
Surnames in Hawaii often carry deep ancestral meaning, blending native Hawaiian roots with global cultural influences. From traditional family names like Kamehameha to multicultural choices like Santos and Wong, these Hawaiian names reflect the islands’ diverse history and strong sense of identity. Each one tells a story of lineage, love, and legacy that spans generations.
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”
Whether you’re honoring your roots or simply love the beauty of island culture, we hope this list of Hawaiian names helped you find the perfect fit. From lyrical Hawaiian girl names that evoke the ocean and sky to strong Hawaiian boy names tied to tradition and nature, each one reflects the rich heritage and spirit of aloha.
For more inspiration, take a look at our favorite nature names, flower names for girls, names that mean love, summer names, short boy names, and short girl names. You can also visit our baby names hub for even more meaningful options.
