Hawaiian baby names

Beyond the literal translation of a Hawaiian name is its kaona, or deeper, hidden meaning, writes Lehia Apana for mauimagazine.net. “In Hawaiian, we don’t ask, ‘What is your name?’ We ask, ‘Who is your name?’” explains Ekela Kaniaupio-Crozier in the article. “We truly believe it breathes and it has a life. As Hawaiians, we believe that one’s name becomes that person. It’s not something that should be taken lightly.” Hawaiian culture has a deep respect for and connection to the land, sea, nature, and the heavens or God(s). Since most names are unisex, the meaning of the name may help decide which gender it is best suited to.

Hawaiian names

Ailani - chief

Alana - fair, beautiful offering

Alani - orange tree

Alonna - precious

Ani - beautiful

Halia - remembrance of a loved one

Kalia - the beloved

Kanye - free, freedom

Kanoa - ordinary person

Kalani - the heavens

Kalea - joy, happiness

Keanu - the cool breeze

Kealani - clear skies, or white heaven

Keoni - God is gracious. The Hawaiian equivalent of John

Lani - sky, heaven

Leilani - heavenly lei; royal child of heaven

Lilo - (pronounced 'Lee-loh')generous one, can also be translated as ‘lost’

Luana - happiness, pleasure

Makani - wind

Manu - bird

Mako - bold man

Malia - the equivalent of Maria/Mary, could have come from Malie, which means peaceful and calm

Malina - calming and soothing

Melia - the frangipani flower

Nalani - serenity of the heavens/skies

Noelani - dew from heaven

Oleen/Olina - joyous