100+ *Beautiful* Hawaiian Baby Names (with Meanings)

Hawaiian baby names are pure magic — full of nature, beauty, and deep cultural meaning. Whether you have Hawaiian roots or just love the lyrical, tropical sound of these names, this list of 100+ Hawaiian baby names for boys and girls is absolutely dreamy —

In Hawaiian culture, names are far more than labels — they carry mana (spiritual power) and often tell a story about the natural world, a family’s history, or a hope for the child’s future. Many Hawaiian names draw from the ocean, mountains, sky, flowers, and rain, weaving a deep connection between the child and the land (‘aina). If you’re looking for a name that feels soulful, melodic, and rooted in something truly beautiful, you’ve come to the right place.

Beautiful Hawaiian Girl Names

These classic Hawaiian girl names are timeless and feminine, each one carrying a meaning as lovely as the islands themselves.

Leilani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: lay-LAH-nee · leɪˈlɑːni
• Meaning: heavenly garland of flowers, with a royal connotation
• Popularity: #66 and falling (#61 → #66, 2024)

Malia

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: mah-LEE-ah · məˈliːə
• Meaning: Hawaiian form of Mary; sometimes linked to ‘calm’
• Popularity: #326 and falling (#273 → #326, 2024)

Kailani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: ky-LAH-nee · kaɪˈlɑːni
• Meaning: sea and sky
• Popularity: #275 and falling (#225 → #275, 2024)

Noelani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: noh-eh-LAH-nee · ˌnoʊɛˈlɑːni
• Meaning: heavenly mist
• Popularity: #1,656 and falling (#1,651 → #1,656, 2024)

Nalani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: nah-LAH-nee · nɑːˈlɑːni
• Meaning: the heavens, the skies
• Popularity: #529 and rising (#591 → #529, 2024)

Alana

• Origin: Celtic (feminine form of Alan)
• Pronunciation: uh-LAN-uh · əˈlænə
• Meaning: Awakening, precious
• Popularity: #143 and rising (#184 → #143, 2024)

Luana

• Origin: Uncertain — possibly an American coinage blending ‘Lou’ and ‘Anna’; other sources give no clear origin
• Pronunciation: loo-AH-nah · luˈɑːnə
• Meaning: Content, happy, enjoyment
• Popularity: #1,898 and falling (#1,811 → #1,898, 2024)

Kalena

• Origin: Hawaiian (also a Hawaiian form of English Karen)
• Pronunciation: kah-LEH-nah · kəˈlɛnə
• Meaning: the yellow one (yellow was a Hawaiian royal color)
• Popularity: #2,854 and rising (#2,863 → #2,854, 2024)

Mahina

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: mah-HEE-nah · mɑːˈhiːnə
• Meaning: moon, moonlight
• Popularity: #3,672 and falling (#3,161 → #3,672, 2024)

Haunani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: how-NAH-nee · haʊˈnɑːni
• Meaning: beautiful snow
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kanani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kah-NAH-nee · kəˈnɑːniː
• Meaning: the beauty, the beautiful one/glory (ka ‘the’ + nani ‘beauty’)
• Popularity: #6,255 and falling (#5,845 → #6,255, 2024)

Leialoha

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: lay-ah-LOH-hah · ˌleɪəˈloʊhə
• Meaning: beloved child (lei used here for ‘child’, plus aloha ‘love’)
• Popularity: #16,550 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Keani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kay-AH-nee · keɪˈɑːni
• Meaning: the breeze
• Popularity: #12,748 and falling (#10,730 → #12,748, 2024)

Kamalei

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kah-mah-LAY · kəməˈleɪ
• Meaning: a child cherished like a lei; beloved child
• Popularity: #16,364 and falling (#12,859 → #16,364, 2024)

Lokelani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: loh-keh-LAH-nee · ˌloʊkɛˈlɑːni
• Meaning: heavenly rose
• Popularity: #16,642 and falling (#14,439 → #16,642, 2024)

Puanani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: poo-ah-NAH-nee · puːəˈnɑːni
• Meaning: beautiful flower (pua ‘flower’ + nani ‘beautiful’)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Momi

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: MOH-mee · ˈmoʊmiː
• Meaning: pearl
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Iolani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: ee-oh-LAH-nee · iː.oʊˈlɑːni
• Meaning: royal hawk / hawk of heaven (Hawaiian hawk + heaven, royalty)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Milimili

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: mee-lee-MEE-lee · ˌmiliˈmili
• Meaning: beloved, cherished, to caress
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Nani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: NAH-nee · ˈnɑːni
• Meaning: beauty
• Popularity: #5,089 and falling (#4,333 → #5,089, 2024)

Mapuana

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: mah-poo-AH-nah · mɑːpuːˈɑːnə
• Meaning: wind-wafted fragrance
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kaulana

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kow-LAH-nuh · kaʊˈlɑːnə
• Meaning: famous, well-known
• Popularity: #13,226 and falling (#13,205 → #13,226, 2024)

Nature-Inspired Hawaiian Girl Names

Hawaii’s lush landscapes, fragrant flowers, and stunning ocean views have inspired some of the most poetic baby names you’ll ever hear. These nature-inspired girl names feel like a love letter to the islands.

Lani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: LAH-nee · ˈlɑːni
• Meaning: sky, heaven
• Popularity: #1,911 and rising (#2,041 → #1,911, 2024)

Moana

• Origin: Polynesian (Hawaiian/Māori)
• Pronunciation: moh-AH-nah · moʊˈɑːnə
• Meaning: sea, ocean
• Popularity: #3,197 and rising (#3,956 → #3,197, 2024)

Hoku

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: HOH-koo · ˈhoʊkuː
• Meaning: Star
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Miliani

• Origin: Shortened form of Emiliani
• Pronunciation: mee-lee-AH-nee · ˌmiːliˈɑːni
• Meaning: Gentle caress, beloved heaven
• Popularity: #4,612 and rising (#5,886 → #4,612, 2024)

Pua

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: POO-ah · ˈpuːə
• Meaning: flower
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Noe

• Origin: Hebrew (via Greek and Latin, form of Noah)
• Pronunciation: noh-EH · noʊˈeɪ
• Meaning: rest, comfort
• Popularity: #768 and rising (#814 → #768, 2024)

Lilinoe

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: lee-lee-NOH-eh · liːliːˈnoʊeɪ
• Meaning: fine mist
• Popularity: #9,272 and falling (#7,864 → #9,272, 2024)

Olina

• Origin: Scandinavian (variant of Oline, fem. of Olaf/Ola)
• Pronunciation: oh-LEE-nuh · oʊˈliːnə
• Meaning: carried over from Oline, a Scandinavian feminine form of Olaf/Ola traditionally read as ‘ancestor’s descendant’
• Popularity: #7,841 and falling (#6,857 → #7,841, 2024)

Pikake

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: pee-KAH-keh · piːˈkɑːkɛ
• Meaning: Jasmine flower
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Lehua

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: leh-HOO-ah · lɛˈhuːə
• Meaning: the ʻōhiʻa lehua blossom, sacred in Hawaiian tradition; used figuratively for ‘sweetheart’ or ‘warrior’
• Popularity: #16,549 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Ilima

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: ih-LEE-mah · ɪˈliːmə
• Meaning: ilima flower (native Hawaiian shrub)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Hina

• Origin: Japanese; also Hawaiian/Polynesian and South Asian
• Pronunciation: HEE-nah · ˈhiːnə
• Meaning: sun, light
• Popularity: #4,687 and rising (#6,040 → #4,687, 2024)

Moanani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: moh-ah-NAH-nee · moʊ.ɑːˈnɑːni
• Meaning: beautiful ocean
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kalei

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kah-LAY · kɑːˈleɪ
• Meaning: the wreath, garland (ka ‘the’ + lei); also a short form of Kalei- compound names
• Popularity: #5,201 and falling (#4,233 → #5,201, 2024)

Ua

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: OO-ah · ˈuː.ə
• Meaning: rain
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Ualani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: oo-ah-LAH-nee · uːɑːˈlɑːni
• Meaning: heavenly rain (compound of ‘ua, ‘ rain, + ‘lani, ‘ heavenly/sky)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Handsome Hawaiian Boy Names

Strong, melodic, and full of meaning — these Hawaiian boy names feel both powerful and poetic. Each one carries a depth of cultural significance that makes it truly special.

Kai

• Origin: Germanic/Scandinavian (also popularly linked to Hawaiian)
• Pronunciation: KY · ˈkaɪ
• Meaning: possibly from Latin Caius, or a Frisian pet form of Gerard/Cornelius/Nicholas (‘warrior’); popularly reinterpreted in the US as Hawaiian for ‘sea’
• Popularity: #76 and falling (#61 → #76, 2024)

Keanu

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kee-AH-noo · kiˈɑːnuː
• Meaning: the coolness / cool breeze
• Popularity: #632 and falling (#537 → #632, 2024)

Koa

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: KOH-ah · ˈkoʊə
• Meaning: warrior, courage; also the name of a native Hawaiian tree
• Popularity: #292 and rising (#298 → #292, 2024)

Makoa

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: mah-KOH-ə · məˈkoʊ.ə
• Meaning: brave, bold
• Popularity: #1,117 and rising (#1,435 → #1,117, 2024)

Keoni

• Origin: Hawaiian (from English John, ultimately Hebrew)
• Pronunciation: kay-OH-nee · keɪˈoʊni
• Meaning: Hawaiian form of John, ultimately ‘God is gracious’
• Popularity: #1,720 and falling (#1,596 → #1,720, 2024)

Kanoa

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kah-NOH-ah · kɑːˈnoʊə
• Meaning: the free one, freed of taboo (ka ‘the’ + noa)
• Popularity: #4,128 and falling (#2,917 → #4,128, 2024)

Kahoku

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kah-HOH-koo · kɑˈhoʊkuː
• Meaning: the star
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Ikaika

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: ee-KY-kah · iˈkaɪkə
• Meaning: strong, powerful
• Popularity: #4,461 and rising (#4,512 → #4,461, 2024)

Akamu

• Origin: Hawaiian (phonological adaptation of Adam)
• Pronunciation: ah-KAH-moo · əˈkɑːmuː
• Meaning: man (from Hebrew adam)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Liko

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: LEE-koh · ˈliːkoʊ
• Meaning: bud or young shoot (of a plant)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Malo

• Origin: Breton/French (traditional name, as in Saint Malo)
• Pronunciation: MAH-loh · ˈmɑːloʊ
• Meaning: Winner, victor
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kekoa

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: keh-KOH-ah · kɛˈkoʊə
• Meaning: the warrior
• Popularity: #2,604 and falling (#2,161 → #2,604, 2024)

Kahana

• Origin: Aramaic/Hebrew (Jewish surname); a distinct Hawaiian word also exists
• Pronunciation: kah-HAH-nah · kəˈhɑːnə
• Meaning: priest (cognate to Hebrew cohen)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Alika

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: ah-LEE-kah · ɑˈliːkə
• Meaning: defender of man
• Popularity: #15,354 and falling (#13,539 → #15,354, 2024)

Kaleo

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kah-LAY-oh · kɑːˈleɪoʊ
• Meaning: the voice (ka ‘the’ + leo ‘voice, tune’)
• Popularity: #1,103 and rising (#1,352 → #1,103, 2024)

Kaimana

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: ky-MAH-nah · kaɪˈmɑːnə
• Meaning: diamond
• Popularity: #3,290 and falling (#2,915 → #3,290, 2024)

Makai

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: mah-KY · mɑːˈkaɪ
• Meaning: toward the sea/ocean
• Popularity: #535 and falling (#491 → #535, 2024)

Kawika

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kuh-WEE-kuh · kəˈwiːkə
• Meaning: Hawaiian form of David; traditionally ‘beloved’
• Popularity: #7,022 and falling (#5,351 → #7,022, 2024)

Nahoa

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: nah-HOH-ah · nəˈhoʊ.ə
• Meaning: Bold, defiant, daring
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Palani

• Origin: Hawaiian (phonological adaptation of English ‘Frank/Francis’)
• Pronunciation: pah-LAH-nee · pɑːˈlɑːni
• Meaning: free one (Hawaiianized form of Francis/Frank)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Lopaka

• Origin: Hawaiian (from English Robert, ultimately Germanic)
• Pronunciation: loh-PAH-kah · loʊˈpɑːkə
• Meaning: bright fame (Hawaiianized form of Robert)
• Popularity: #13,316 as of 2021 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kahiau

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kah-hee-OW · kəhiˈaʊ
• Meaning: generous giving, without expecting anything in return
• Popularity: #7,010 and rising (#9,328 → #7,010, 2024)

Aukai

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: OW-ky · ˈaʊkaɪ
• Meaning: seafarer, voyager
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kahale

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kah-HAH-leh · kɑˈhɑːleɪ
• Meaning: the house
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kalama

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kah-LAH-mah · kɑːˈlɑːmə
• Meaning: the torch, the light
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Mikala

• Origin: English/Hawaiian (form of Michael/Michal)
• Pronunciation: mee-KAH-lah · miːˈkɑːlə
• Meaning: who is like God (via Michael); also linked to the biblical name Michal
• Popularity: #16,797 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kamaka

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kah-MAH-kah · kəˈmɑːkə
• Meaning: the eye (maka can also mean child or bud)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kekipi

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kay-KEE-pee · keɪˈkiːpi
• Meaning: the rebel
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Nature-Inspired Hawaiian Boy Names

From the ocean to the mountains, the wind to the rain — these Hawaiian boy names are rooted in the breathtaking natural world of the islands.

Nalu

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: NAH-loo · ˈnɑːluː
• Meaning: wave
• Popularity: #7,825 and rising (#13,054 → #7,825, 2024)

Manu

• Origin: Sanskrit and/or Hawaiian/Polynesian (dual origin)
• Pronunciation: MAH-noo · ˈmɑːnuː
• Meaning: progenitor of humankind (Sanskrit) / bird (Hawaiian)
• Popularity: #5,352 and falling (#4,994 → #5,352, 2024)

Kainalu

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: ky-NAH-loo · kaɪˈnɑːluː
• Meaning: sea of rolling waves
• Popularity: #4,956 and rising (#5,157 → #4,956, 2024)

Makani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: mah-KAH-nee · məˈkɑːni
• Meaning: the wind
• Popularity: #4,801 and falling (#4,417 → #4,801, 2024)

Lono

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: LOH-noh · ˈloʊnoʊ
• Meaning: Hawaiian god of agriculture/fertility; also ‘news’
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kiele

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kee-EH-leh · kiːˈɛleɪ
• Meaning: gardenia; fragrance
• Popularity: #9,967 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Onaona

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: oh-nah-OH-nah · oʊnɑːˈoʊnɑː
• Meaning: soft fragrance
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kaiwi

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kah-EE-vee
• Meaning: the bone, symbolizing life and old age
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Konane

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: koh-NAH-nay · koʊˈnɑːneɪ
• Meaning: moonlight, moon-bright
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Laakea

• Origin: Hawaiian (compound, uncertain segmentation)
• Pronunciation: lah-ah-KAY-ah · ˌlɑː.ʔɑːˈkeɪ.ə
• Meaning: Sacred light, bright day
• Popularity: #9,471 and rising (#11,656 → #9,471, 2024)

Haukea

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: how-KEH-uh · haʊˈkɛə
• Meaning: white snow (from the words for snow/ice and white)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Keahi

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kay-AH-hee · keɪˈɑːhi
• Meaning: the fire
• Popularity: #6,304 and falling (#5,793 → #6,304, 2024)

Kapono

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kah-POH-noh · kəˈpoːnoʊ
• Meaning: the good or upright one
• Popularity: #9,391 and rising (#13,189 → #9,391, 2024)

Lokahi

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: loh-KAH-hee · loʊˈkɑːhi
• Meaning: unity, harmony
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Manoa

• Origin: Hawaiian (place name)
• Pronunciation: mah-NOH-ah
• Meaning: vast, deep, thick
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Lanakila

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: lah-nah-KEE-lah · ˌlɑːnəˈkiːlə
• Meaning: victory, triumph
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Unisex Hawaiian Baby Names

One beautiful thing about Hawaiian names is that many of them are naturally gender-neutral. These unisex Hawaiian names work beautifully for any baby.

Mana

• Origin: Polynesian (mana); also documented as a Japanese feminine and Iranian/Persian unisex given name
• Pronunciation: MAH-nah · ˈmɑːnə
• Meaning: power, prestige, spiritual authority
• Popularity: #6,331 and rising (#7,137 → #6,331, 2024)

Aloha

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: uh-LOH-hah · əˈloʊhɑː
• Meaning: love, affection, compassion
• Popularity: #11,148 as of 2020 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kainoa

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: ky-NOH-uh · kaɪˈnoʊə
• Meaning: namesake
• Popularity: #1,698 and falling (#1,686 → #1,698, 2024)

Kalani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kah-LAH-nee · kəˈlɑːni
• Meaning: the heavens, the sky
• Popularity: #339 and rising (#380 → #339, 2024)

Akela

• Origin: Hindi/Urdu
• Pronunciation: ah-KEH-lah · əˈkɛlə
• Meaning: alone
• Popularity: #9,899 and rising (#10,910 → #9,899, 2024)

Leilana

• Origin: Hawaiian (modern coinage, uncertain attestation)
• Pronunciation: lay-LAH-nuh · leɪˈlɑːnə
• Meaning: Beloved child
• Popularity: #4,952 and rising (#5,070 → #4,952, 2024)

Kaipo

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: KY-poh · ˈkaɪpoʊ
• Meaning: sweetheart, beloved
• Popularity: #8,625 and falling (#6,348 → #8,625, 2024)

Kei

• Origin: Japanese
• Pronunciation: KAY · ˈkeɪ
• Meaning: no single fixed meaning — depends on the kanji chosen
• Popularity: #4,624 and falling (#4,166 → #4,624, 2024)

Iolana

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: ee-oh-LAH-nuh · iː.oʊˈlɑːnə
• Meaning: To soar like a hawk
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kamea

• Origin: Hawaiian (modern name)
• Pronunciation: kah-MAY-ah · kəˈmeɪ.ə
• Meaning: The one and only, precious
• Popularity: #5,349 and falling (#4,408 → #5,349, 2024)

Keola

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kay-OH-lah · keɪˈoʊlə
• Meaning: the life (or ‘the healthy one’)
• Popularity: #7,030 and rising (#9,366 → #7,030, 2024)

Luka

• Origin: Slavic (cognate of Lucas/Luke)
• Pronunciation: LOO-kah · ˈluːkə
• Meaning: Light, bringer of light
• Popularity: #94 and rising (#95 → #94, 2024)

Kaimi

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: KY-mee · ˈkaɪmiː
• Meaning: the seeker
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Alohilani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: uh-LOH-hee-LAH-nee · əˌloʊhiˈlɑːni
• Meaning: bright, radiant sky
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kawai

• Origin: Japanese (surname)
• Pronunciation: kah-WYE · kɑːˈwaɪ
• Meaning: meeting of rivers, river confluence
• Popularity: #7,100 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Nohea

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: noh-HEH-ah · noʊˈheɪə
• Meaning: lovely, handsome, pretty
• Popularity: #14,754 and falling (#10,115 → #14,754, 2024)

Pono

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: POH-noh · ˈpono
• Meaning: righteousness, moral correctness, or balance
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kaliko

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kah-LEE-koh · kəˈliːkoʊ
• Meaning: the bud (leaf bud)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Mahalo

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: mah-HAH-loh · məˈhɑːloʊ
• Meaning: thanks, gratitude
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Loe

• Origin: Hawaiian (transliteration)
• Pronunciation: LOH-eh · ˈloʊ.eɪ
• Meaning: Joy, happiness
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Maile

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: MY-leh · ˈmaɪleɪ
• Meaning: a fragrant Hawaiian vine traditionally used to make lei
• Popularity: #4,606 and rising (#4,620 → #4,606, 2024)

More Names We Love

Kiana

• Origin: Hawaiian (form of Diana); also a modern coinage or feminine form of Kian/Cian
• Pronunciation: kee-AH-nah · kiˈɑːnə
• Meaning: divine (via Diana)
• Popularity: #721 and rising (#725 → #721, 2024)

Anuhea

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: ah-noo-HAY-ah · ˌɑːnuːˈheɪə
• Meaning: cool, soft fragrance (from ‘anu’ coolness + ‘hea’ mist)
• Popularity: #5,153 and rising (#6,954 → #5,153, 2024)

Mahealani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: mah-hay-ah-LAH-nee · mɑːˌheɪ.əˈlɑːni
• Meaning: name of a full-moon night in the traditional Hawaiian lunar calendar, connoting radiance and fullness
• Popularity: #8,220 and falling (#7,879 → #8,220, 2024)

Mele

• Origin: Hawaiian (from English “Mary”)
• Pronunciation: MEH-leh · ˈmɛlɛ
• Meaning: Hawaiian form of the name Mary
• Popularity: #9,324 and falling (#8,791 → #9,324, 2024)

Kealii

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kay-ah-LEE-ee · ˌkeɪɑːˈliːiː
• Meaning: the chief
• Popularity: #9,407 and falling (#6,717 → #9,407, 2024)

Kimo

• Origin: Hawaiian (phonological adaptation of Jim)
• Pronunciation: KEE-moh · ˈkiːmoʊ
• Meaning: Hawaiian form of Jim (nickname for James); ultimately from Hebrew Jacob, popularly ‘supplanter’
• Popularity: #9,443 and rising (#10,377 → #9,443, 2024)

Kamalani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kah-mah-LAH-nee · kɑːməˈlɑːniː
• Meaning: heavenly or royal child (kama ‘child’ + lani ‘sky’)
• Popularity: #11,574 and falling (#8,705 → #11,574, 2024)

Keawe

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kay-AH-vay · keɪˈɑːveɪ
• Meaning: the strand/cord, symbolizing lineage
• Popularity: #11,640 and falling (#7,102 → #11,640, 2024)

Iwalani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: ee-vah-LAH-nee · iːvəˈlɑːni
• Meaning: heavenly seabird (frigatebird of the sky)
• Popularity: #16,493 as of 2019 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kealoha

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kay-ah-LOH-hah · ˌkeɪəˈloʊhɑ
• Meaning: the love / the loved one
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kekai

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: keh-KY · kɛˈkaɪ
• Meaning: the sea
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Leimomi

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: lay-MOH-mee · leɪˈmoʊmi
• Meaning: child adorned like a pearl; precious pearl child
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Malulani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: mah-loo-LAH-nee · mɑːluːˈlɑːni
• Meaning: peace/shelter from heaven
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Nahele

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: nah-HEH-leh · nɑːˈhɛlɛ
• Meaning: forest, wilderness
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Hokuao

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: hoh-koo-OW · hoːkuːˈʔao
• Meaning: morning star (from hōkū ‘star’ + ao ‘dawn/light’)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Hokulele

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: hoh-koo-LEH-leh · hoːkuːˈlɛlɛ
• Meaning: shooting star / meteor, literally ‘flying star’ (hōkū ‘star’ + lele ‘to fly’)
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Hokuokalani

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: hoh-koo-oh-kah-LAH-nee · hoːkuː.o.kəˈla.ni
• Meaning: star of the heavens
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Kaohu

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: kah-OH-hoo · kəˈoːhu
• Meaning: the mist
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Makali’i

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Pronunciation: mah-kah-LEE-ee · ˌməkəˈliːʔi
• Meaning: the Pleiades star cluster
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Makamae

• Origin: Hawaiian
• Meaning: precious, cherished
• Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

How These Names Are Trending

27 of these names rose in the U.S. Social Security rankings last year, and 37 are falling, per Social Security data through 2024.

How These Names Are Trending

27 of these names rose in the U.S. Social Security rankings last year, and 37 are falling, per Social Security data through 2024.

How These Names Are Trending

27 of these names rose in the U.S. Social Security rankings last year, and 37 are falling, per Social Security data through 2024.

How These Names Are Trending

24 of these names rose in the U.S. Social Security rankings last year, and 32 are falling, per Social Security data through 2024.

How These Names Are Trending

24 of these names rose in the U.S. Social Security rankings last year, and 32 are falling, per Social Security data through 2024.

In Hawaiian tradition, choosing a name is a deeply spiritual act. Many families receive names through dreams, signs, or ancestral connections — a practice called inoa po (name given in a dream). The name is believed to shape a child’s destiny, so it is chosen with great intention, prayer, and reverence for the culture.

Whether your family has Hawaiian heritage or you simply feel drawn to the beauty and depth of these names, honoring the meaning behind the name is a wonderful way to carry the spirit of aloha into your child’s life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hawaiian baby names unique?

Hawaiian baby names are unique because they are rooted in the Hawaiian language, which has only 13 letters (the five vowels plus H, K, L, M, N, P, W, and the ‘okina glottal stop). This gives every name a naturally melodic, vowel-rich sound. Hawaiian names almost always carry deep meaning connected to nature, spirituality, family, or cultural values — they are never chosen just because they “sound nice.”

Can I use a Hawaiian name if I’m not Hawaiian?

Many Hawaiian families are happy to share the beauty of their language and culture with others, as long as it’s done with respect and genuine appreciation. If you choose a Hawaiian name, take time to learn its correct pronunciation, understand its meaning, and share the cultural context with your child as they grow. Avoid treating Hawaiian names as trendy or exotic accessories — honor the depth behind them.

How do you pronounce Hawaiian baby names?

Hawaiian pronunciation follows consistent rules: every vowel is pronounced (A = “ah,” E = “eh,” I = “ee,” O = “oh,” U = “oo”), and consonants sound similar to English. Stress usually falls on the second-to-last syllable. For example, Leilani is pronounced “lay-LAH-nee” and Kaimana is “kye-MAH-nah.” The ‘okina (‘) is a glottal stop — a brief pause — and the kahako (macron) lengthens a vowel sound.

What are the most popular Hawaiian baby names right now?

Some of the most popular Hawaiian baby names in recent years include Kai (sea), Leilani (heavenly lei), Koa (warrior), Malia (calm waters), Kalani (the heavens), and Moana (ocean). Names that blend Hawaiian roots with cross-cultural appeal — like Kai, Alana, and Nalu — have been rising steadily on baby name charts across the mainland United States as well.

📊 Curious how popular a name actually is? Look it up in our Baby Name Popularity Checker — pulls live SSA data to show ranking trends.

Read next;

🌷 Names that capture the ocean

🌷 Earthy names rooted in nature

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✨ Love these names? Create free printable nursery art for any name →