Hawaiian Names

Lili'uokalani was the name of the only queen and last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, which was overthrown in January 1893.

Evocative of the lush islands, Hawaii is a place name that will transport you — at least in spirit.

For such a short, simple name, Pela has many possible derivations and meanings. It's most commonly cited as a short form of Penelope, but can also be a nickname for Pelagia, a name related to the sea.

Iolana is a hip-swaying, melodic, and unusual choice. Similar Hawaiian bird-themed choice: Iolani.

Makeo is a rare name, which peaked in usage in the USA in 2012, when it was given to six little boys. Despite this rarity, its similarity to names like Mateo (to which it is related), Arlo, etc. means it is ripe for a spike in popularity.

Launa is the Hawaiian verb meaning "to meet," but many will hear this as Lana with a New Jersey accent, or Lorna with a stuffy nose.

A nice meaning -- congruent with the recent vogue for names like Blessing -- helps offset this Hawaiian name's proximity to overused Makayla and McKenzie.

An intriguing Hawaiian boy's name much more distinct and unique than Kai or Koa.

Leimomi was a common girl name in Hawaii a century ago, so according to the 100-Year Rule, it is due to be refreshed and revived. And what great timing, with the current popularity of the similar name Leilani.

An appealing unisex Hawaiian name (more commonly used for boys) with a lovely meaning and vibrant sound. It derives from the words ke "the" and aloha "love". Keahloha is also a common Hawaiian surname.

Names ending in -lani have become so fashionable, people have taken up creating pseudo-Hawaiian names that emulate the sounds of the language (here's looking at you, Meilani). Mililani is at once on-trend, extremely rare, and authentically Hawaiian — the best of all worlds.

Kauai is known as the Garden Isle of Hawaii. Ironically, it qualifies as a baby name based on spelling variation and homonym Kawhi, as in basketball star Kawhi Leonard.

An appealing Hawaiian name which belongs to a town, river and bay on Kauaʻi island in Hawaii. The two possible meanings of the name, "crescent bay" or "garland (lei) valley" both describe the beauty of the place.

This name is a variation of U'i lani, which means heavenly beauty in Hawaiian.

The Hawaiian version of ultra-classic Adam could make a cool choice for parents seeking something that feels fresh but still has roots in tradition. It also means "to blush" in Japanese.

Haumea is the Hawaiian goddess of childbirth, said to have created a potion to allow humans to be able to give birth naturally. The meaning of the name is likely related to the blood shed in childbirth. A dwarf planet beyond Neptune's orbit is named in Haumea's honor.

Anela is the equivalent of Angela, which means angel. Anela is also one of

A close relative of the very popular Leilani, with just a hint of Lulu.