Hawaiian Baby Names

Hawaiian names carry the sound of the Hawaiian language, which uses a small alphabet, many vowels and gentle consonants. Many names are built from words for the sea, the sky and the natural world. Kai means sea, and the element lani, meaning heaven or sky, appears in names such as Leilani, Kailani and Kalani. Makai means toward the sea, and Koa is the name of a native Hawaiian tree whose wood has long been prized, while the word also carries the sense of brave or bold.

Some names are Hawaiian forms of names used elsewhere. Malia is the Hawaiian form of the name of the mother of Jesus, and variants such as Maliyah and Maleah have grown from it. Alani means orange tree, and Kaia is a short, bright name found in several cultures. Kane is linked to a major god in Hawaiian tradition, associated with creation and life, although it also exists as an unrelated Irish surname. Kehlani has become familiar through a contemporary singer.

In Hawaiian, every vowel is pronounced, so names can have more syllables than English readers expect. If you choose a Hawaiian name, take time to learn its meaning and pronunciation, and consider the cultural significance of the name. Many families choose Hawaiian names to honor a connection to the islands or a love of the ocean.