About 1500 years ago, Polynesians made their way to a collection of islands in the Pacific Ocean and established what we now know as Hawaii. Over time, they developed the unique art, food, and even religions in Hawaii that make it such an iconic place in the world today.

While browsing this list of Hawaiian baby names for boys and girls, you might notice that many of them sound quite similar. This is largely because the Hawaiian language uses an abbreviated alphabet which consists of only 12 letters — seven consonants (h, k, l, m, n, p, w) and five vowels (a, e, i, o, u).

Here are some popular and unique Hawaiian baby names for girls along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information.

 Alamea

  • Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Precious, whole Peak Popularity: Alamea is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States.

 Alana

  • Origin: Hawaiian, Gaelic, IrishMeaning: An offeringAlternative Spellings & Variations: Lana, Allana, AlannaFamous Namesakes: Alanna Goldie, Canadian fencer; Alannah Currie, New Zealand musicianPeak Popularity: The name Alana began peaking in the mid-1980s and is still trending.

 Alohi

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Shining, brilliantPeak Popularity: Alohi is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States.

 Halia

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Remembrance of a loved oneFamous Namesakes: Halia Beamer, internet celebrityPeak Popularity: Halia is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States, however in 2020 it was 37th in popularity for a girl’s name in Hawaii.

 Haukea

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: White snowAlternative Spellings & Variations: KeaPeak Popularity: Haukea is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States.

Kailani

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Sea and sky, sea and heavenAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kalani, Kalanie, KailaFamous Namesakes: Kailani Craine, Australian figure skaterPeak Popularity: Kailani is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States, however in 2020 was 61st in popularity for names in Hawaii.

Kaia

  • Origin: Hawaiian, GreekMeaning: The seaAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kiya, KaiFamous Namesakes: Kaia Gerber, American model; Kaia Iva, Estonian politicianPeak Popularity: Kaia is currently experiencing a surge in popularity, which began in the 2010s.

 Luana

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: EnjoymentAlternative Spellings & Variations: Lulu, Lu, AnaFamous Namesakes: Luana, Italian singer-songwriter and co-founder of BelladonnaPeak Popularity: Luana was particularly popular in the United States from 1940 to 1950.

Kalei

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Flower wreath, happinessAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kali, Cali, KaleighPeak Popularity: Kailei is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States.

Kali

  • Origin: Hawaiian, African, Greek, HindiMeaning: RosebudAlternative Spellings & Variations: KalieFamous Namesakes: Kali Rocha, American actressPeak Popularity: Kali was most popular in the United States from the mid-1990s to 2015.

Keala

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: PathwayAlternative Spellings & Variations: NoneFamous Namesakes: Keala Kennelly, American surfer; Keala Settle, American singerPeak Popularity: Kaela was most popular in the United States from 1990 to 2000.

Makani

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: WindAlternative Spellings & Variations: NoneFamous Namesakes: Makani Harrelson, daughter of actor Woody Harrelson Peak Popularity: Makani is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States.

Lana

  • Origin: Greek, HawaiianMeaning: Light, floatingAlternative Spellings & Variations: Alana, LonnaFamous Namesakes: Lana Del Rey, singer; Lana Turner, actressPeak Popularity: Lana was most popular in the United States from 1940 to 1970. In 1948, roughly 1450 girls were given this name in the U.S.

Leia

  • Origin: English, Hebrew, HawaiianMeaning: LionessAlternative Spellings & Variations: Lea, Leigh, Leah, LeyahFamous Namesakes: Léia Scheinvar, botanistPeak Popularity: Leia reached height popularity in the United States in the mid-2010s.

 Lokelani

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Small red roseAlternative Spellings & Variations: Loki, LaniFamous Namesakes: Lokelani McMichael, American triathletePeak Popularity: Lokelani is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States.

Loni

  • Origin: English, Hawaiian Meaning: Sky Alternative Spellings & Variations: LonnieFamous Namesakes: Loni Anderson, actressPeak Popularity: Loni has never been a popular name, but it did see a small spike in the 1980s.

Leilani

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Heavenly wreathAlternative Spellings & Variations: Leila, LaniFamous Namesakes: Leilani Rose De Marco, dancer; Leilani Jones, stage actress.Peak Popularity: Leilani started gaining popularity in the United States in the 1990s and continues to peak. It was the 29th most popular name given to girls in 2020.

Lilo

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Generous oneAlternative Spellings & Variations: NoneFamous Namesakes: Lilo Ramdohr, member of the White Rose resistance group in Nazi GermanyPeak Popularity: Lilo is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States.

Malia

  • Origin: Hawaiian, SpanishMeaning: Rebelliousness, brave, diligentAlternative Spellings & Variations: Famous Namesakes: Malia Obama, President Obama’s daughter; Malia Jones, American modelPeak Popularity: Malia has skyrocketed in popularity since 2008, largely because it is the name of President Barack Obama’s oldest daughter.

 Mililani

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Praise, exaltAlternative Spellings & Variations: Milly, Mili, LaniFamous Namesakes: NonePeak Popularity: Mililani is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States.

Naia

  • Origin: Hawaiian, Latin Meaning: Dolphin, to flowAlternative Spellings & Variations: Nya, NayaFamous Namesakes: Naia Guz Sanchez, actor; Naya Rivera, American actressPeak Popularity: Naia hasn’t been a popular name in the United States, but the alternative spelling Nya, saw a small surge in the 1990s.

 Nalani

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Calm skiesAlternative Spellings & Variations: Nala, LaniPeak Popularity: Nalani is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States.

 Nana

  • Origin: Hawaiian, SpanishMeaning: Spring, graceAlternative Spellings & Variations: Nanna, Nanny, Nanette, AnaFamous Namesakes: Nana Mizuki, Japanese voice actorPeak Popularity: Nana hasn’t been a popular name in the United States, but it did have a few small, random spikes in the 1800s.

Okalani

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Heavenly Alternative Spellings & Variations: LaniPeak Popularity: Okalani is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States.

 Oliana

  • Origin: Hawaiian, SpanishMeaning: Variant of oleanderAlternative Spellings & Variations: Oli, Ana, LianaPeak Popularity: Oliana is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for girls in the United States.

Here are some popular and unique Hawaiian baby names for boys along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information.

Fun Fact: Though it sounds similar to the Hawaiian greeting Aloha, the two are entirely different words!

Fun Fact: This name is two words combined: hau, which means snow, and kea, which means white.

Fun Fact: Kai means sea, and lani means heaven or sky.

Fun Fact: Luana is also the name of an Iowa town in the continental United States.

Fun Fact: The name Makani is technically unisex, as are many Hawaiian names.

Fun Fact: You might recognize this name from the Star Wars franchise, but the name dates back to biblical times.

Fun Fact: The lokelani, a small red rose, is the official flower of the Hawaiian island of Maui.

Fun Fact: Leilani combines two words in the Hawaiian language: lei, which means wreath, and lani, which means heavenly.

Fun Fact: You might recognize the name Lilo from the famous cartoon duo, Lilo and Stitch, which is set in Hawaii!

Fun Fact: Mililani is the name of a Hawaiian town in Honolulu County.

Fun Fact: In Hawaii, Nana is the name of both a spring month and a star.

 Akamu

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Of the EarthAlternative Spellings & Variations: Aka, KamuPeak Popularity: Akamu is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

Akoni

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Too great to calculate (inestimable)  Alternative Spellings & Variations: KoniPeak Popularity: Akoni is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

 Anakoni

  • Origin: Hawaiian, Latin, Greek Meaning: Priceless, worthy of admirationAlternative Spellings & Variations: Anakin, KoniPeak Popularity: Anakoni is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

Bane

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Long-awaited childPeak Popularity: Bane is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

 Keanu

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Cool breeze over the mountainsAlternative Spellings & Variations: NoneFamous Namesakes: Keanu Reeves, actor Peak Popularity: The name Keanu hasn’t ever been exceptionally popular in the United States, but there was a small surge in the mid-90s, likely as a result of famous actor Keanu Reeves gaining popularity himself. Keanu peaked at 512th in the U.S. in 2020, and was the 52nd most popular name in Hawaii.

 Kai

  • Origin: Hawaiian
  • Meaning: The sea
  • Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ky, Ki, Chi
  • Famous Namesakes: Kai Ryssdal, radio host; Kai Altair, American musician
  • Peak Popularity: Kai started gaining momentum as a boy’s name in the 1990s and continues rising in popularity. In 2020 Kai reached an all-time high rank of 93 in the U.S. and was seventh in popularity in Hawaii.

 Koi

  • Origin: Hawaiian, Native AmericanMeaning: Urge, imploreAlternative Spellings & Variations: CoyPeak Popularity: Koi is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

Kale

  • Origin: Hawaiian, GaelicMeaning: Strong, manlyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kayle, Kail, CaleFamous Namesakes: Kale Ane, American football player; Kale Browne, actorPeak Popularity: Kale experienced a small surge in popularity from 1995 to 2010.

Kana

  • Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: God’s judgmentAlternative Spellings & Variations: KanaielaPeak Popularity: Kana is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

Kaleo

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: One voiceAlternative Spellings & Variations: LeoPeak Popularity: Kaleo is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

Kekoa

  • Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: Brave one, the warriorAlternative Spellings & Variations: Keko, Keiko, KoaFamous Namesakes: NonePeak Popularity: Kekoa is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. However, in 1972 it hit the baby name charts at position #1923.

 Makani

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Wind, breezeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Maka, Ani, KaniFamous Namesakes: Makani Harrelson, daughter of actor Woody HarrelsonPeak Popularity: Makani is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

Hailama

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Famous or renowned brotherAlternative Spellings & Variations: NoneFamous Namesakes: NonePeak Popularity: Hailama is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

Havika

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: BelovedAlternative Spellings & Variations: HaviPeak Popularity: Havika is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

Ilima

  • Origin: Hawaiian, HebrewMeaning: FlowerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Alima, Ulima, Lima, Ili Peak Popularity: Ilima is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

Ionakana

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: A gift from GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Iona, Kana, AnaPeak Popularity: Ionakana is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

Iulio

  • Origin: Hawaiian Meaning: YouthfulAlternative Spellings & Variations: Julio, Julito, Julia, Julius, Jullian, JulenFamous Namesakes: NonePeak Popularity: Iulio is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

 Kaimana

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Power of the ocean Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kai, Mana, Kaima, AnaFamous Namesakes: NonePeak Popularity: Kaimana is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States. It was ranked 84th for Hawaiian boys in 2020.

Kalani

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Sea and sky, chiefAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kalanie, Kala, KalanFamous Namesakes: Kalani Hilliker, dancer; Kalani Chapman, surfer; Kalani Prince, Hawaiian YouTuberPeak Popularity: Kalani is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

Kapono

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Proper or righteous one, virtuousAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kapon, KoponePeak Popularity: Kapono is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

 Keoni

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: God is graciousAlternative Spellings & Variations: KeoPeak Popularity: Keoni is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

Kimo

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: SupplanterFamous Namesakes: Kimo Armitage, American poet; Kimo Williams, American musicianPeak Popularity: Kimo is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

Maleko

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Of Mars, warriorAlternative Spellings & Variations: MalekPeak Popularity: Maleko is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

Mano

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: SharkAlternative Spellings & Variations: Iman, MannyFamous Namesakes: Mano Brown, singerPeak Popularity: Mano is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

 Makaio

  • Origin: HawaiianMeaning: Gift Of GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Kai Peak Popularity: Makaio is a unique name that hasn’t made its way into the top 1000 list for boys in the United States.

 

Fun Fact: This name is the equivalent of the Hebrew name, Adam.

Fun Fact: Anakoni is the Hawaiian variation of the name Anthony.

Fun Fact: Koi is also the name of a Japanese variety of carp fish. It is also considered the Hawaiian equivalent of the name Troy.

Fun Fact: Though it’s pronounced differently, the word “Kale” in the English language also refers to a dark, leafy green vegetable.

Fun Fact: Kana was the name of a Maui demigod who could take the form of a rope and stretch from Molokai to Hawaii.

Fun Fact: In the Hawaiian language, Ka means “the” and Leo means “voice” or “sound.”

Fun Fact: Makani is considered a unisex name in Hawaii.

Fun Fact: Hailama is considered the Hawaiian equivalent to Hiram, a Hebrew name.

Fun Fact: Havika is considered the Hawaiian equivalent to David, a Hebrew name.

Fun Fact: Ilima is the official flower of Oahu, a bright yellow flower that’s part of the Hibiscus family.

Fun Fact: The name Ionakana is a variant of the very common Hebrew name, Jonathan.

Fun Fact: The name Kaimana combines two common Hawaiian words: Kai, which means “ocean” or “sea,” and mana, which translates to “power.” Kaimana is also derived from the English word, diamond.

Fun Fact: Kalani is the male version of the Hawaiian name, Kalanie.

Fun Fact: The name Keoni is considered the Hawaiian equivalent to the Hebrew name, John.

Fun Fact: This common Hawaiian name is the equivalent to Jim or James.

Fun Fact: This common Hawaiian name is the equivalent to Mark.

Fun Fact: This common Hawaiian name is the equivalent to the Hebrew name, Matthew.