Mahi'ai

Mahi'ai Origin and Meaning

The name Mahi'ai is a boy's name.

Mahi'ai is a masculine Hawaiian name that carries deep cultural significance. It means 'farmer' or 'cultivator' in the Hawaiian language, reflecting the important agricultural traditions in Hawaiian culture. The name honors the essential role farmers played in traditional Hawaiian society, where agriculture was not just an occupation but a sacred connection to the land ('āina). The apostrophe (called an 'okina in Hawaiian) represents a glottal stop in pronunciation. Mahi'ai remains relatively uncommon outside of Hawaii and Hawaiian communities, but it represents a meaningful choice for families wishing to honor Hawaiian heritage or express a connection to sustainable agricultural values.