Hawaiian Baby Names
Inspired by the islands, the Hawaiian names that carry deep meaning and natural beauty.
Choosing the perfect 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, blossom 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
Why Hawaiian Names Are So Meaningful
In Hawaiian culture, names aren't just identifiers, they are gifts. Traditionally, a name (or noa) was often given based on dreams, visions, or significant events surrounding a child's birth. Each name was believed to carry mana, or spiritual power, shaping the child's destiny.
Hawaiian names also tend to honor the natural world. Many names reference the ocean, sky, flowers, or the concept of harmony with the earth. their meanings are layered and poeticc, often combining multiple ideas into one melodic word. They are often unisex, which makes them wonderfully versatile. Names like Kai (sea), Kelani (heavens), Lani (sky or heaven" and Noa (freedom) are increasingly popular for any gender.
Popular Hawaiian Baby Names
Girls
1. Lelani
2. Moana
3. Kailani
4. Mele
5. Anela
6. Nolan
Meaning
1. Heavenly flower
2. Ocean
3. Sea and Sky
4. Song or Chant
5. Angel
6.Heavenly mist
Boys
1. Koa
2. Keanu
3. Makani
4. Kainoa
5. Nalu
6. Lono
Meaning
1. Brave or Warrior
2. Cool breeze over the mountain
3. Wind
4. Namesake or Free spirit
5. Wave
6. The name of a Hawaiian god associated with peace and agriculture.
What Makes Hawaiian Names Special?
Hawaiian names often reflect nature, love family, and spirituality. They're known for their flowing vowels, gentle rhythm and poetic structure. Traditionally, names were gifted based on family history, dreams, or significant events believe to hold spiritual significance and guides a child's future.
Names like Moana, meaning "ocean", or Lelani, meaning "heavenly flower", speak to deep bond with the land and sea.
Thanks to popular films like Lilo & Stich and Moana, a new generation has been introduced to the warmth, strength, and cultural beauty of Hawaiian life, many parents are drawing inspiration from these beloved characters when naming their children.
Tips for Choosing a Hawaiian Name
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Understand the meaning. Take time to learn what the name represents. Hawaiian names often hold deep, layered symbolism.
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Listen to the sound. Many Hawaiian names are musical and rythmic. Say it loud and imagine calling it in love every day.
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Respect the culture. If you are not of Hawaiian heritage, approach these names with appreciation and respect for their origins.
Top Hawaiian Names to Know
1. Alana
2. Hokulani
3. Lolana
4. Kalea
5. Maile
6. Lanakila
7. Lokelani
8. Malie
9. Nohea
10. Ululani
Girls
1. Awakening, offering
2. Heavenly star
3. To soar like a hawk
4. Joy, happiness
5. A fragrant vine in leis
6. Victory
7. Small red rose
8. Calm, peaceful
9. Lovely
10. Inspired, divine
Meaning
Gender-Neutral
1. Ailani
2. Eono
3. Hali'a
4. Ihilani
5. Kaimana
6. Nalani
7. Alohi
8. Hoku
9. Mana
10. Mahina
Meaning
1. High chief
2. Six ( unique for being numeric)
3. Fond remembrance
4. Exalted heavenly
5. Power of the ocean
6. The heavens
7. Brilliance, shinning
8. Star
9. Spiritual power
10. Moon
Boys
1. Nalu
2. Makoa
3. Kaleo
4. Ikaika
5. Pika
6. Tamaroa
7. Uluwehi
8. Kapena
9. Anuenue
10. Haikili
Meaning
1. Wave
2. Courageous, bold
3. Voice, sound
4. Strength
5. Rock
6. Little boy
7. Growing in beauty
8. Captain
9. Rainbow
10. God of thunder
Names featured in Pop Culture
For many people, the heart of Hawaiian culture came alive through Disney’s beloved films Lilo & Stitch and Moana. These stories introduced global audiences to the values at the core of Hawaiian and Polynesian life—family (ʻohana), connection to nature, ancestral wisdom, and finding one’s path. And they did so through names full of meaning.
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In Lilo & Stitch, the name Lilo means generous or lost, and Nani means beautiful. The film’s famous motto—ʻOhana means family—has since become a cherished phrase for people around the world.
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In Moana, the heroine’s name literally means ocean, reflecting her deep bond with the sea. Names like Tala (star) and Te Fiti (a goddess of creation) further showcase how names in Polynesian culture are deeply symbolic and spiritually resonant.
Lilo & Stich
Names from the Movie
Lilo - "Generous one" or "Lost"
Nani (Lilo's older sister) - Beautiful
Stitch - Not a Hawaiian word, but metaphorically represents “patching” a broken family together (not a traditional name).
David - Not Hawaiian, from Hebrew origin means beloved.
These names embody loyalty, courage, and resilience which is perfect for a child destined to stand out with heart.
Moana
Names from the Movie
Tala (Moana's grandmother) - Guiding stars or Wisdom
Tui (Chief Tui is Moana’s father) - King in some Polynesian dialects, the name implies nobility and guardianship.
Maui - The demigod with shape-shifting powers, based on real Polynesian mythology. Often associated with legend, strength, and mischief.
Te Fiti - The goddess of life and creation
Heihei - The clumsy chicken, often symbolizing comic relief. The name can also mean "to race" or "hurry" in Hawaiian.
These names evoke adventure, leadership, and connection to nature and is perfect for parents looking to raise bold spirits.
Fun Fact
Did you know? In Hawaiian, a single name can carry multiple meanings, depending on how it's used or combine with other words. That is part of what makes Hawaiian names so beautifully unique.
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 2025
1. Olivia
2. Emma
3. Amelia
4. Charlotte
5.Mia
6. Sophia
7. Isabella
8. Evelyn
9. Ava
10. Camila
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 2025
1. Liam
2. Noah
3. Oliver
4. Theodore
5. James
6. Henry
7. Mateo
8. Elijah
9. Lucas
10. William
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
Amelia
Liam
Valentina
Samuel
Mei
Helena
Miguel
Louis
Chloé
Dan
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.
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Top Meaningful BabyMeanings Names
Luna
Orion
Sakura
Levi
Aurora
Atlas
Lily
Rowan
Leo
Isla
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