Searching for the perfect baby name? Writing a story and need to name a character? Look no further! Traditional Hawaiian names are some of the most beautiful choices that you can make. Though the names are unisex and have no assigned gender, many of them have become common for either women or men. These names are common as first names, but are wonderful choices for middle names.
Traditional Hawaiian birth names are given in by an older family member (called a kupuna) or the baby’s parents. There are six ways that babies are given these names in traditional Hawaiian culture:
inoa ‘ulaleo: a name heard (most often mystical)
inoa ewe: a name given based on personality traits
inoa po: a name heard in a dream
inoa ho’omanao: a name referencing an event or person
inoa ho’ailona: a name seen in a vision
inoa kupuna: a family name that is handed down from ancestors
Hawaii and its culture struggles as a whole. As time goes on, more and more of their history, knowledge, culture, and traditions are being erased, forgotten, and written over. The people of Hawaii are still fighting every day in order to protect their lands and keep sacred places safe. This collection of Hawaiian Baby names aren’t just things that are written on birth certificates; names reflect so much history.
Religious Hawaiian Baby Names
Names that reflect religious beliefs are incredibly common across all cultures. Religion is something that people hold near and dear to their hearts, so these are some of the most common religious Hawaiian names.
A person’s name is often their first impression. Having a powerful name can be a useful asset. Oftentimes, parents name their children after something powerful in hopes that the child will thus wield a certain amount of power.
Alaka’i: Guide, leader
Alana: Awakening
Ailani: High Chief
Ali’ikai: Queen/King of the Sea
Hanohano: Nobel
Haoa: Hot (like the sun)
Ikaika: Strong, powerful
Ka’eo: Zealous
Kalani: Chieftain
Kanakamana: Powerful man
Ka Nui: Great
Kanunu: Strong
Kei: Dignified
Keilani: Glorious chief
Kekipi: Rebel
Kekoa: Brave, courageous
Keli’i: Chief
Koa: Warrior, fearless
Koa Ikaika: Strong warrior
Ku’uaki: Guardian
Lalama: Fearless, daring
Lanakila: Victorious
Lokela: Famous warrior
Maka Koa: Bold
Makaha: Fierce, savage
Po`okela: Champion, superior
Nature Hawaiian Names
Poetry, art, and music are often modeled after nature. The raw beauty that nature offers is inspiring to all, so it’s a no-brainer as to why babies are often named after things in nature. Hawaii’s beautiful lands offer many different inspirations for the traditional nature-related names.
Alapai: Coastal
Alamea: Volcanic stone
Alaula: Light of dawn
Anuenue: Rainbow
Aolani: Heavenly cloud
Aukai: Seafarer
Hepualaha’ole: Uncommon flower
Hokuikekai: Star of the sea
Iolana: To soar like a hawk
Kai: Sea
Kailani: Beach and sky
Kailanu: Surf
Kalama: Torch
Ka Pua: Blossom
Keola: Life
Kiele: Gardenia
Konane: Moonlight
La: Sun
Lana: Calm as still waters
Mahina: Moon
Makani: Wind
Mamo: Yellow bird
Meli: Honey
Moana: Ocean
Nahele: Forest
Nalani: Calm of the skies
Palila: Bird
Pauo’le: Never ending
Pikake: Jasmine
Pua: Flower
Puanani: Beautiful flower
Wai Nani: Beautiful water
Personality-Specific Names
Much like how a powerful name could mean power in the child’s life, a name that reflects a specific personality or attribute could result in a child who reflects those characteristics.
Ahonui: Patience
Alohi: Brilliant
Anuhea: Cool, fragrant
`Auli`i: Dainty, cute, perfect
`Eleu: Alert, energetic, agile
Hau’oli: Joyful, happy
Hiwahiwa: Precious, favorite
Hiwalani: Attractive
Ka Hiwa: Favorite
Kaila: Style
Kalea: Bright
Kapa`a: Firm, steadfast
Kau’i: Beauty
Konani: Bright
Ku’oko’a: Independent
Kupa`a: Loyal
Ku’uipo: Sweet
Lae`ula: Clever
Laka: Gentle
Luana: Content, happy
Maka Luana: Friendly
Maka: Favorite
Eponym: Named After Someone
Just like naming a child after a parent, children are often named after community elders, respectable people, and others who are important to the parents.
Aikane: Friend
Akamu: Adam
Akoni: Anthony
Alika: Alec
Amosa: Amos
Apikaila: Abigail
Ekewaka: Edward
Hawika: Beloved
Hiapo: First born
Kamea: The one and only
Kawika: David
Kimo: James
Ku`u Hoaloha `Oi: Best friend
Ku`u: Apple of my eye
Lopaka: Robert
Mea A`a: Adventurer
Pakelika: Patrick
This collection of traditional Hawaiian names showcases the multifaceted ways that a child is often named in Hawaiian culture. These baby names have no gender affiliation and are used for both girls and boys. In addition to that, these names are also used for both first and middle names. These names can help parents connect with their Hawaiian culture, and others may be able to find a deeper appreciation for their culture as well.
Ann Tyger is a freelance writer and college student. She is studying with a major in Secondary English Education at the Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Interests include reading, writing, poetry, and video games.
Ann Tyger is a freelance writer and college student. She is studying with a major in Secondary English Education at the Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Interests include reading, writing, poetry, and video games.