Hawaiian & Polynesian Baby Names: 70+ Island Names With Aloha Spirit
Hawaiian & Polynesian Baby Names: 70+ Island Names With Aloha Spirit
Names That Breathe Life
In Hawaiian, the word for 'to name' is 'haina'—but there's another word that matters more: 'ha.' It means breath. And in Hawaiian tradition, names carry ha—the breath of life. When you give a Hawaiian name, you're not just labeling a person. You're breathing meaning into their existence.
I spent two weeks in Hawaii for a wedding, and a local auntie explained naming to me over shave ice. 'Every name tells who you are, where you come from, what the world meant when you arrived,' she said. 'We don't just pick names from a list. Names are given by the ancestors, the land, the moment of birth.'
Hawaiian names sound like music—all those vowels flowing into each other, the gentle consonants, the rhythm that rises and falls like ocean waves. Names like Kailani, Keanu, Leilani, Makani. They sound like paradise because they come from paradise.
But Hawaii is just one island culture in the vast Polynesian triangle that spans from Hawaii to New Zealand to Easter Island. Maori names from New Zealand, Samoan names, Tahitian names—all share linguistic roots while developing unique sounds and meanings. This guide explores naming traditions from across the Pacific.
Hawaiian Naming Philosophy
Hawaiian naming isn't like Western naming. Understanding the differences helps you appreciate what these names carry.
Inoa—The Sacred Name
Traditional Hawaiian names (inoa) were considered sacred. A person's inoa connected them to ancestors, nature, and spiritual forces. Names might come through dreams, be given by kahuna (priests), or reflect circumstances of birth. The name was inseparable from the person's identity.
Meaning Over Sound
In Western naming, we often choose names for how they sound, then learn the meaning. Hawaiian naming works backwards—the meaning comes first. Parents consider what they want to call into their child's life, then find or create names that carry that meaning. Every syllable signifies something.
The Kaona—Hidden Meaning
Hawaiian names often have kaona—layered, hidden meanings beneath the surface translation. A name might literally mean 'heavenly mist' while also referencing a specific place, ancestor, or family story. Understanding a Hawaiian name fully requires knowing its kaona.
No Gender Restrictions
Many Hawaiian names work for any gender. The culture traditionally recognized more fluid gender expression, and names reflected that. Modern usage has gendered some names through association, but many remain beautifully neutral.
The Naming Ceremony
Traditional naming involved ceremony and blessing. The child might receive multiple names—an everyday name, a sacred name known only to family, names connecting to different ancestors. Modern Hawaiian families often still incorporate blessing ceremonies.
Hawaiian Girl Names
Hawaiian girl names often invoke natural beauty—flowers, sky, ocean, and gentle qualities.
Popular Hawaiian Girl Names
- Leilani (lay-LAH-nee) - 'Heavenly lei/flower.' The most exported Hawaiian name. Beautiful meaning and sound.
- Kailani (kye-LAH-nee) - 'Sea and sky.' Nature combination name. Very popular.
- Moana (moh-AH-nah) - 'Ocean.' Disney familiarity. Works across Polynesian cultures.
- Malia (mah-LEE-ah) - Hawaiian form of Mary. Obama's daughter. Familiar sound.
- Lani (LAH-nee) - 'Sky, heaven.' Short and sweet. Common name element.
- Noelani (no-eh-LAH-nee) - 'Heavenly mist.' Romantic imagery.
- Kalani (kah-LAH-nee) - 'The heavens.' Royal associations.
- Kehlani (keh-LAH-nee) - Modern variant. Singer familiarity.
- Alani (ah-LAH-nee) - 'Orange tree.' Nature name.
- Halia (hah-LEE-ah) - 'Remembrance of a loved one.' Memorial name.
- Mahina (mah-HEE-nah) - 'Moon.' Celestial name.
- Nalani (nah-LAH-nee) - 'The heavens, serenity.'
- Luana (loo-AH-nah) - 'Enjoyment.' Happy meaning.
- Kalea (kah-LAY-ah) - 'Bright, clear.' Sunshine associations.
- Miliani (mee-lee-AH-nee) - 'Gentle caress.' Tender meaning.
Flower and Nature Names
- Lokelani (loh-keh-LAH-nee) - 'Small red rose.' Maui's official flower.
- Pikake (pee-KAH-kay) - 'Jasmine.' Fragrant flower.
- Lehua (leh-HOO-ah) - Native Hawaiian flower. Sacred to Pele.
- Pua (POO-ah) - 'Flower.' Simple nature name.
- Ilima (ee-LEE-mah) - Yellow flower. Oahu's official flower.
Hawaiian Boy Names
Hawaiian boy names often invoke strength, wisdom, and connection to land and sea.
Popular Hawaiian Boy Names
- Kai (KYE) - 'Sea.' Simple, powerful, globally popular. Works in many languages.
- Keanu (kee-AH-noo) - 'Cool breeze over the mountains.' Reeves familiarity.
- Koa (KOH-ah) - 'Warrior' and native Hawaiian tree. Strong meaning.
- Makoa (mah-KOH-ah) - 'Bold, fearless.' Warrior spirit.
- Kekoa (keh-KOH-ah) - 'The brave one.' Warrior name.
- Kahoku (kah-HO-koo) - 'The star.' Celestial name.
- Mana (MAH-nah) - 'Spiritual power.' Deep significance.
- Kane (KAH-neh) - 'Man' and name of major god. Pronounced differently from Western 'Kane.'
- Kalei (kah-LAY) - 'The beloved.' Affection name.
- Ikaika (ee-KYE-kah) - 'Strong.' Powerful meaning.
- Keoni (keh-OH-nee) - Hawaiian form of John. 'God is gracious.'
- Kanoa (kah-NOH-ah) - 'The free one.' Freedom name.
- Lokela (loh-KEH-lah) - Hawaiian form of Roger. 'Famous spear.'
- Akamu (ah-KAH-moo) - Hawaiian form of Adam. 'From the earth.'
- Kawika (kah-VEE-kah) - Hawaiian form of David. 'Beloved.'
Ocean and Sky Names
- Makani (mah-KAH-nee) - 'Wind.' Element name.
- Nalu (NAH-loo) - 'Wave.' Surfer name.
- Kaimi (kye-EE-mee) - 'The seeker.' Philosophical meaning.
- Mano (MAH-noh) - 'Shark.' Power animal.
- Aolani (ah-oh-LAH-nee) - 'Heavenly cloud.' Atmospheric name.
Names From Other Polynesian Cultures
The Polynesian triangle encompasses many island cultures with related naming traditions.
Maori Names (New Zealand)
- Aroha (ah-ROH-hah) - 'Love.' Central Maori concept.
- Tane (TAH-neh) - God of forests and birds. Male name.
- Maui (MAH-oo-ee) - Trickster demigod. Disney familiarity.
- Kiri (KEE-ree) - 'Tree bark.' Te Kanawa familiarity.
- Tui (TOO-ee) - Native New Zealand bird. Nature name.
- Anika (ah-NEE-kah) - 'Graceful.' Beautiful meaning.
- Wiremu (wee-REH-moo) - Maori William.
- Hemi (HEH-mee) - Maori James.
Samoan Names
- Talia (tah-LEE-ah) - Samoan variant. Means 'to wait near the water.'
- Sina (SEE-nah) - Goddess of the moon. Female name.
- Manu (MAH-noo) - 'Bird.' Nature name. Works for any gender.
- Teuila (teh-oo-EE-lah) - Red ginger flower. Samoa's national flower.
- Tavita (tah-VEE-tah) - Samoan David.
Tahitian Names
- Tiare (tee-AH-reh) - 'Flower.' National flower of Tahiti.
- Moea (moh-AY-ah) - 'Sleep, dream.' Dreamy meaning.
- Tamatoa (tah-mah-TOH-ah) - 'Courageous.' Moana character familiarity.
- Vaiana (vye-AH-nah) - 'Water cave.' European name for Moana movie.
Tongan Names
- Mele (MEH-leh) - 'Song.' Musical meaning.
- Sione (see-OH-neh) - Tongan John.
- Tupou (too-POH-oo) - Royal family name. Prestigious.
Nature and Ocean Names
Polynesian cultures live in intimate relationship with nature. Names reflect that connection.
Ocean and Water Names
- Kai - 'Sea' (Hawaiian). Most popular globally.
- Moana - 'Ocean' (across Polynesia). Deep water.
- Nalu - 'Wave' (Hawaiian). Surfer spirit.
- Kainalu - 'Ocean wave' (Hawaiian). Combination name.
- Alamea - 'Precious' but also a starfish variety.
Sky and Weather Names
- Lani - 'Sky, heaven' (Hawaiian). Light and airy.
- Makani - 'Wind' (Hawaiian). Fresh and free.
- Mahina - 'Moon' (Hawaiian). Celestial.
- Hoku - 'Star' (Hawaiian). Night sky.
- Ua - 'Rain' (Hawaiian). Life-giving.
Land and Plant Names
- Koa - Warrior spirit and native tree (Hawaiian).
- Aina - 'Land' (Hawaiian). Connection to place.
- Pua - 'Flower' (Hawaiian). General floral.
- Lehua - Native ohia flower (Hawaiian). Sacred.
- Kukui - Candlenut tree (Hawaiian). Light-giving.
Animal Names
- Mano - 'Shark' (Hawaiian). Power and protection.
- Honu - 'Sea turtle' (Hawaiian). Longevity, navigation.
- Manu - 'Bird' (across Polynesia). Freedom.
- Pueo - 'Owl' (Hawaiian). Guardian spirit.
- Naia - 'Dolphin' (Hawaiian). Intelligence, joy.
Using Hawaiian Names Respectfully
Hawaiian names come from a living culture that has faced colonization and cultural suppression.
The History Matters
The Hawaiian language was suppressed for nearly a century after American annexation. Speaking Hawaiian was banned in schools. Names were Anglicized. The language nearly died. Its revival since the 1970s is a triumph of cultural reclamation.
When you use Hawaiian names, you're touching that history. Most Hawaiian people welcome sharing their culture, but appreciation should come with awareness.
Pronunciation Respect
Hawaiian pronunciation is consistent but different from English:
- Every vowel is pronounced (Lei-la-ni = lay-LAH-nee)
- The 'okina (') is a glottal stop, like the catch in 'uh-oh'
- The kahako (macron) means hold the vowel longer
- Stress usually falls on the second-to-last syllable
Learning proper pronunciation shows respect for the culture.
Meaning Matters
Don't just pick a Hawaiian name for the sound—learn its meaning. Hawaiian culture takes meaning seriously. A name chosen ignorantly might carry weight you didn't intend.
Names to Approach Carefully
- Names of Hawaiian royalty (Kamehameha, Liliuokalani)
- Names of gods and goddesses (Pele, Kane, Kanaloa)
- Names connected to sacred places or practices
Connection Is Welcome
If you're non-Hawaiian but have genuine connection to Hawaii—you lived there, married into Hawaiian family, have deep respect for the culture—most Hawaiians welcome you honoring their naming traditions. The aloha spirit is about inclusion.
Hawaiian Pronunciation Guide
Hawaiian has only 13 letters: the five vowels (a, e, i, o, u) and eight consonants (h, k, l, m, n, p, w, ').
Vowel Sounds
- 'A' = 'ah' as in 'father'
- 'E' = 'eh' as in 'bed'
- 'I' = 'ee' as in 'see'
- 'O' = 'oh' as in 'go'
- 'U' = 'oo' as in 'moon'
Special Features
- Vowel combinations often slide together (ai = 'eye,' ao = 'ow')
- 'W' after 'e' or 'i' sounds like 'v'
- The 'okina (') creates a pause/glottal stop
- Every syllable ends with a vowel
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't skip vowels—every vowel is pronounced
- Don't add consonants that aren't there
- Don't pronounce 'w' as English 'w' after 'e' or 'i'
- Don't ignore the 'okina—it changes meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do you pronounce Hawaiian names?
Hawaiian pronunciation follows consistent rules: every vowel is pronounced, stress usually falls on the second-to-last syllable, and 'w' sounds like 'v' after 'e' or 'i.' Leilani is lay-LAH-nee, not 'LEE-lah-nee.' Learn the vowel sounds (a=ah, e=eh, i=ee, o=oh, u=oo) and you can pronounce most Hawaiian names correctly.
Q2: Can non-Hawaiians use Hawaiian names?
Most Hawaiians welcome respectful use of their names by non-Hawaiians. The aloha spirit embraces sharing culture. However: learn the pronunciation, understand the meaning, and approach naming with appreciation rather than appropriation. If you have no connection to Hawaii, consider why you're drawn to Hawaiian names and whether you can honor that connection.
Q3: What makes a name authentically Hawaiian?
Authentic Hawaiian names follow Hawaiian phonology (only Hawaiian letters), have meanings in Hawaiian language, and often connect to nature, ancestors, or spiritual concepts. Names created to 'sound Hawaiian' using non-Hawaiian letters or sounds aren't authentic. If you're unsure, consult Hawaiian language resources or ask Hawaiian cultural practitioners.
Q4: Are Hawaiian names gender-specific?
Many Hawaiian names are gender-neutral. Traditional Hawaiian culture recognized gender more fluidly than Western culture, and names reflected that. While modern usage has gendered some names through association (Leilani is typically female, Koa typically male), many names like Kai, Kalani, and Makana work for anyone.
Q5: What's the difference between Hawaiian and other Polynesian names?
Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, Tahitian, and Tongan languages all descend from Proto-Polynesian, so names share similarities. But each language developed distinctly. Hawaiian dropped certain sounds (no 's' or 'r'), Maori retained more consonants, Samoan and Tongan evolved differently. Same root concepts, different phonetic results.
Ha—The Breath of Names
The Hawaiian word for 'hello' isn't really 'aloha.' Or rather, aloha means so much more—love, compassion, mercy, the breath of life shared between people. When Hawaiians greet each other with aloha, they're acknowledging shared breath, shared life, shared humanity.
Hawaiian names carry that same spirit. They're not arbitrary labels but intentional blessings, carefully chosen meanings breathed into a child's life. A Hawaiian name is a wish, a hope, a connection to ancestors and land and sea that spans generations.
Whether you choose a Hawaiian name to honor heritage, celebrate connection to the islands, or simply love the musical beauty of the language, you're participating in something sacred. You're breathing meaning into your child's identity.
And that meaning will follow them everywhere, like the trade winds that blow across the Pacific—constant, life-giving, carrying the breath of the islands wherever they go.
Discover your perfect Hawaiian or Polynesian name on SoulSeed, where you can explore meanings, practice pronunciations, and find names that carry the aloha spirit.
