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
