Hawaiian Baby Names
Meaningful, melodic names rooted in nature, culture, and the spirit of aloha.
Choosing a name for your little one? Few naming traditions are as rich, soulful, and poetic as Hawaiian baby names. Rooted in nature, spirituality, and a deep respect for family and community, Hawaiian names carry stories of waves and winds, blossoms and stars, love and strength.
Whether you're drawn to the culture, inspired by a place, or simply love the melodic sound of these names, Hawaiian baby names offer something truly unique.
In this guide, you'll discover 100+ Hawaiian baby names with meanings or girls, boys, and gender-neutral picks. We've grouped them by style, sound, and meaning so you can find names that match your vibe: classic and traditional, unique and uncommon, beautiful and lyrical, or powerful and strong.
Why Hawaiian Names Are So Meaningful
Traditionally, a Hawaiian name inoa was given based on dreams, visions, or significant events surrounding a child's birth. Each name was believed to carry mana spiritual power that would help shape the child's destiny.
Hawaiian names also tend to honor the natural world: the ocean kai, the sky lani , the moon mahina , and the islands' flowers lehua, pua . Many names are layered combining two or more concepts into a single poetic word. Kawailani, for example, blends kawai water with lani heaven to mean "heavenly water."
Did you know? In traditional Hawaiian culture, many names were unisex. A name was chosen for its meaning and the energy it carried, not for the gender of the child.
A note on cultural respect: Hawaiian names come from an Indigenous culture with a complex history. If you don't have Hawaiian heritage, approach these names with appreciation and care. Learn the meaning, learn the pronunciation, and avoid names tied specifically to royalty, deities, or sacred lineages.
Hawaiian girl names are known for their flowing vowels, gentle rhythm, and lyrical meanings. Many honor the moon, the flowers, the ocean or carry blessings of grace, peace, and joy. Here's our curated list of beautiful Hawaiian girl names with meanings.
Hawaiian Girl Names
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Leilani Heavenly flower, royal child of heaven
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Moana Ocean, deep sea
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Kailani Sea and sky
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Mele Song, chant, melody
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Anela Angel
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Nalani The heavens, calm of the skies
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Noelani Mist of heaven
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Malia Calm, peaceful (Hawaiian form of Mary)
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Alana Awakening, offering
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Hokulani Heavenly star
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Iolana To soar like a hawk
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Kalea Joy, happiness
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Maile A fragrant vine used in sacred leis
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Lokelani Small red rose (Maui's official flower)
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Nohea Lovely, beautiful, handsome
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Makana Gift
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Kaia Sea
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Mahina Moon
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Ululani Heavenly inspiration
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Hiʻilani To honor, to raise to the heavens
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Roselani Heavenly rose
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Lehua Sacred red blossom of the ʻōhiʻa tree
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Keilani Glorious chief, glory of heaven
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Malie Calm, peaceful, tranquil
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Kanani The beauty
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Pualani Heavenly flower
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Hoku Star
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Kalama Flaming torch
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Liliana Lily
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Halia Fond memory, cherished remembrance
Name spotlight: Leilani might be the most quintessentially Hawaiian girl name there is. Built from lei (a garland of flowers) and lani (heaven, sky, royalty), it literally means "heavenly flower" or "royal child." It first entered the US top 1000 in the 1950s thanks to the song "Sweet Leilani," and has been quietly rising ever since.
Hawaiian Boy Names
Hawaiian boy names often connect to themes of courage, wisdom, leadership, and the natural world. Many honor the ocean, the mountains, or the strength of warriors and chiefs.
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Koa Brave, warrior; also Hawaii's sacred koa tree
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Kai Sea
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Keanu Cool breeze over the mountains
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Makani Wind
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Kainoa The namesake, free spirit
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Nalu Wave
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Lono Hawaiian god of peace, agriculture, and fertility
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Akamu Red earth (Hawaiian form of Adam)
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Anakoni Valuable, priceless
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Kalani The heavens, royal one
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Keahi The fire
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Kekoa The brave one
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Ikaika Strong, powerful
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Makoa Courageous, bold, fearless
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Kaleo The voice, the sound
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Aukai Seafarer, one who travels the sea
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Kanoa Free, the free one
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Lopaka Bright fame (Hawaiian form of Robert)
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Manō Shark a symbol of strength and protectionPono Righteous, moral, in balance
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Kawika Beloved (Hawaiian form of David)
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Keoki Farmer (Hawaiian form of George)
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Keoni God is gracious (Hawaiian form of John)
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Haoa Watchman, guardian
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Konane Bright moonlight
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Kekai The sea
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Akoni Priceless
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Kahale Home, dwelling
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Hoapili Close companion, beloved friend
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Palani Free man (Hawaiian form of Frank)
Name spotlight: Koa is having a moment and for good reason. In Hawaiian, koa means "brave" or "warrior," but it's also the name of one of Hawaii's most sacred trees, prized for its strength and beauty. It's short, easy to say in any language, and entered the US top 1000 in the 2020s, climbing steadily.
Gender-Neutral Hawaiian Names
In traditional Hawaiian culture, gender-neutral naming has always been the norm names were chosen for their meaning, not their gender. These unisex Hawaiian names work beautifully for any child.
Kai Sea
Noa Freedom, free
Nalu Wave
Hoku Star
Mahina Moon
Lani Sky, heaven, royal
Pua Flower, blossom
Mana Spiritual power, energy
Anuenue Rainbow
Lehua Sacred flower
Keola Life
Kaimana Power of the ocean; also "diamond"
Iolana To soar
Haliʻa Fond memory
Ailani High chief, royal one
Alohi Brilliance, shining
Wailani Heavenly water
Eono Six (a sweet numeric name)
Did you know? Kai is one of the fastest-rising unisex names in the US it's been in the top 100 since 2020. Short, sound-rich, and globally legible, it's the kind of name that travels well.
Unique and Uncommon Hawaiian Names
If you're drawn to names that feel distinctive, rare, and untouched by trends, these uncommon Hawaiian names are worth a closer look.
Unique Hawaiian girl names
Onaona Soft, sweet fragrance
Hauʻoli Happy, joyful
Lanikai Heavenly sea
Ehuiki Small mist, gentle haze
Manaolana Hope, faith
Naliʻi The royal ones
Pikake Jasmine flower
Kahalelani House of the heavens
Lokoʻo Calm, gentle
Olina Joyous full of delight
Unique Hawaiian boy names
Ekewaka Wealthy protector
Uluwehi Growing in beauty, lush
Kahekili The thunder
Mākaʻi Watchful, guardian
Pueo Owl (a guardian spirit)
Hālau Long house, place of learning
Akua Divine, godly
Punahele Favorite, beloved one
Did you know? Pikake meaning "jasmine" was the favorite flower of Hawaiian Princess Kaʻiulani, who kept peacocks in her garden. The name combines floral beauty with royal history.
These names are the classics passed down through generations, widely loved in Hawaii, and increasingly popular on the US mainland. If you want a name that's both authentic and approachable, start here.
Popular for Girls
Leilani
Moana
Malia
Kailani
Alana
Kalea
Nalani
Mele
Did you know? Malia the Hawaiian form of Mary gained worldwide attention as the name of President Barack Obama's eldest daughter. Both Obamas were born and raised in Hawaii, and Malia has been one of the most consistently popular Hawaiian girl names for decades.
If you're looking for a name with strength, presence, and unmistakable energy, these powerful Hawaiian names carry deep symbolic weight.
Powerful Hawaiian boy names
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Kekoa The brave one
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Ikaika Strong, powerful
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Makoa Courageous, fearless
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Koa Warrior
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Mano Shark
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Kahekili The thunder
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Lono God of agriculture and peace
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Kaimana Power of the ocean
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Pueo Owl, guardian spirit
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Ekewaka Wealthy protecto
Popular and Traditional Hawaiian Names
Powerful Hawaiian Names
Popular for boys
Koa
Kai
Keanu
Kekoa
Makoa
Kainoa
Lono
Ikaika
Powerful Hawaiian Girl names
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Lanakila Victory
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Mahealani Full moon, brightness
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Ululani Heavenly inspiration
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Iolana To soar like a hawk
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Hauʻoli Joyful, triumphant
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Pomaikaʻi Blessed, fortunate
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Manaolana Hope
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Hawaiian Names from Moana and Lilo & Stitch
For many parents, Hawaiian culture came alive through Disney's Moana and Lilo & Stitch. These films introduced global audiences to the heart of Polynesian life family (ʻohana), connection to nature, and courage to find one's own path.
From Lilo & Stitch
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Lilo Generous one, or "lost"
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Nani (Lilo's sister) Beautiful
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David Beloved (Hebrew origin Hawaiianized as Kawika)
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ʻOhana Family (a cherished concept, not a given name)
From Moana
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Moana Ocean, deep sea
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Tala (Moana's grandmother) Star, guiding light
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Tui (Moana's father) King in some Polynesian dialects
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Maui The demigod from Polynesian mythology
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Heihei To race, to hurry
Names
For parents drawn to names that are soft, lyrical, and pretty without losing depth, these are some of the most beautiful Hawaiian girl names you'll find.
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Leilani Heavenly flower
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Kalea Joy, happiness
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Onaona Soft fragrance
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Pualani Heavenly flower
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Nohea Lovely
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Lokelani Small red rose
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Anela Angel
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Olina Joyous
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Maile Fragrant vine
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Liliana Lily
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Kanani The beauty
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Pikake Jasmine
Cute and Beautiful Hawaiian Girl
Hawaiian Middle Names
Hawaiian names also make exquisite middle names. A short Hawaiian middle name can add cultural depth and a poetic rhythm to any first name.
Hawaiian middle names for girls
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Lei (garland) → Sophia Lei
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Pua (flower) → Olivia Pua
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Mahina (moon) → Emma Mahina
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Lani (heaven) → Charlotte Lani
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Hoku (star) → Ava Hoku
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Kai (sea) → Maya Kai
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Aloha (love) → Grace Aloha
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Halia (cherished memory) → Iris Halia
Hawaiian middle names for boys
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Kai (sea) → Liam Kai
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Koa (warrior) → Noah Koa
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Makoa (brave) → Lucas Makoa
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Nalu (wave) → Theo Nalu
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Pono (righteous) → Henry Pono
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Kainoa (free spirit) → Owen Kainoa
Hawaiian Names Inspired by Nature
Nature is at the heart of Hawaiian naming. Whether your inspiration is the ocean, the sky, the flowers, or the elements, there's a Hawaiian name to honor it.
Inspired by
Ocean & sea
Sky & heavens
Stars & moon
Kai, Moana, Kailani, Nalu, Kaimana, Aukai, Kekai, Lanikai
Flowers & plants
Lani, Nalani, Hokulani, Kalani, Noelani, Ululani, Mahealani
Names
Hoku, Hokulani, Mahina, Konane, Mahealani
Strength & earth
Wind & weather
Lehua, Lokelani, Maile, Pua, Pualani, Roselani, Pikake, Liliana
Makani, Keanu, Anuenue, Ehuiki, Kahekili
Koa, Akamu, Ikaika, Makoa, Mano, Pueo
How to Pronounce Hawaiian Names
Hawaiian is a beautifully phonetic language once you know the rules, almost every name pronounces itself.
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A = "ah" (as in father)
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E = "eh" (as in bet)
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I = "ee" (as in machine)
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O = "oh" (as in boat)
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U = "oo" (as in moon)
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ʻ (ʻokina) = a glottal stop, like the catch in "uh-oh." It's a real letter.
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ā, ē, ī, ō, ū (kahakō) = the line over a vowel lengthens its sound.
Quick examples:
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Leilani → LAY-lah-nee
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Koa → KOH-ah
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Keanu → keh-AH-noo
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Moana → moh-AH-nah
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Kailani → kai-LAH-nee
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Hokulani → hoh-koo-LAH-nee
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Anuenue → ah-noo-eh-NOO-eh
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK for non-Hawaiian families to use Hawaiian names?
Many Hawaiian families welcome respectful use of common Hawaiian names Kai, Leilani, Koa which appear widely in modern culture. The respectful approach: learn the meaning, learn the pronunciation, and honor the culture the name comes from. Avoid names tied specifically to royalty, deities, or sacred lineages.
What's the difference between Hawaiian and Polynesian names?
Hawaiian is one branch of the Polynesian language family, which includes Tahitian, Samoan, Tongan, and Māori. You'll notice shared roots moana (ocean) appears in several Polynesian languages. Hawaiian names have their own sound system and cultural context, but they share Polynesian heritage.
Are most Hawaiian names unisex?
Traditionally, yes. Hawaiian naming has long emphasized meaning over gender, and many of the most beloved names Kai, Noa, Lani, Pua, Hoku work for any child.
What's the most popular Hawaiian name in the US today?
Kai leads the pack it's been in the US top 100 since 2020 and continues to climb. Leilani and Koa are also having a strong moment.
Are Hawaiian names hard to pronounce?
Once you know the basic vowel sounds, Hawaiian names are remarkably easy. Every vowel is pronounced, and there are no silent letters. Common names like Kai, Koa, Leilani, and Moana are widely known in the US.
What's a good Hawaiian middle name?
Short, lyrical Hawaiian words make beautiful middle names: Lei (garland), Kai(sea), Lani (heaven), Pua (flower), Hoku (star), Mahina (moon). They pair well with most first names.
What are some traditional Hawaiian names that are still used today?
Leilani, Koa, Kai, Makoa, Lono, Mahina, Kalani, and Pono are all traditional Hawaiian names that remain widely used in modern Hawaii and increasingly on the US mainland.
What Hawaiian names start with K?
Many Hawaiian names start with K: Kai, Koa, Kalea, Kanoa, Kainoa, Kawika, Keoki, Keanu, Kekoa, Kalani, Kailani, Konane. The "K" sound is one of the most common in the Hawaiian language.
Choosing a Hawaiian Name for Your Baby
The right Hawaiian name isn't the one with the most beautiful meaning, or the rarest sound, or the trendiest profile it's the one that makes your heart skip. Maybe it's Leilani because your grandmother grew flowers. Maybe it's Kai because you proposed on a beach. Maybe it's Koa because the moment you said it out loud, you saw your son.
Take your time. Say each name aloud at a whisper, at a shout, in a long, slow exhale. Imagine calling it across a backyard. Imagine it on a diploma. The name that still feels right after all that that's the one.
Discover your style: Not sure what your naming style is? Our Baby Name Generator helps you find names that match your aesthetic from oceanic to earthy to celestial. It takes two minutes and it's kind of addictive.
Name Lists
Baby Meanings is your trusted guide in the world of baby names.
From popular names to unique names, the latest trends, meaningful names and much more, our curated name lists are designed to inspire and inform. Backed by smart tools and thoughtful insights, we explore the stories, meanings, and trends behind every name, so you can choose one that feels just right.
Baby Meanings helps you discover the perfect name to shape your child’s story from the very beginning.
Baby Girl Names
Congratulations, it’s a girl!
Whether you’re counting down the days until your little one arrives or about to have her in your arms, it’s time to choose a name as special as she is.
Explore our Baby Girl Names page for top names, unique picks, timeless classics, and bold new choices.
Search by origin, theme or style; and find the perfect name for your little girl today.
Top BabyMeanings Girl Names 2026
1. Olivia
2. Emma
3. Amelia
4. Charlotte
5.Mia
Baby Boy Names
Congratulations, it’s a boy!
As you get ready to welcome your little one, it’s time to find a name that’s strong, meaningful, and uniquely his.
Explore our Baby Boy Names page for popular names, unique names, timeless classics, and modern favorites.
Search by origin, theme or style, and discover the perfect name for your baby boy today.
Top BabyMeanings Boy Names 2026
1. Liam
2. Noah
3. Oliver
4. Theodore
5. James
Baby Names by Origin
Discover Baby Names from Around the World
Looking for a name that reflects your heritage or cultural values?
Our Baby Names by Origin section features names from every corner of the globe, each rich with meaning, tradition, and history.
Explore name lists by country, language, or culture.
Top International BabyMeanings Name
Baby Names by Theme
Find the Name That Tells a Story
From nature and mythology to literature, history, and pop culture, themed baby names are a fun and meaningful way to express what you love. Whether you’re dreaming of a flower-inspired name, a heroic legend, or a cosmic connection, our curated lists of Baby Names by Theme offer inspiration for every kind of story.
Discover unique and creative baby names.
Top Meaningful BabyMeanings Names
From Epic Fails to Expert Tips:
Explore the fails of "Tragedieh" and the advices of "Name Nerds" on Reddit.
"my sister is wack and naming her baby after tv shows. help."
Be careful when honoring your favorite characters—what sounds clever in your head might not land the same in real life. In this r/Tragedeigh post, a concerned sibling shares their sister’s plan to name her baby after TV characters, sparking a wave of Reddit commentary.
Baby Meanings - Baby Name AI Generator by NouBaby