Let’s talk Hawaii baby names.
Hawaiian names are different from nearly any other state in the US. After all, it’s a Polynesian language developed in the region, and the language of a sovereign nation once ruled by its own monarch. It remains an official language in the state, taught in schools.
It only became a part of the US as the 50th state in 1959. Hawaii consists of a group of islands, located in the Pacific Ocean.
The state’s demographics, too, are different from much of the mainland US.
The state’s population reflects the region, with around 37% of residents identifying as Asian, and an additional 25% as multiracial. Less than a quarter consider themselves white. Around 10% are Hispanic or Latino.
Over 20% of the state identifies as fully or partially Native Hawaiian.
Hawaiian names are enjoying a moment in the US recent years.
Blame it on pop culture and stylish sounds. Top 100 Kai has inspired a list of names like Malakai and Zakai. The -lani ending has boosted names like Aylani and Noelani, some more authentic than others.
The connections between Hawaiian culture and the natural world appeal to parents, too.
Read more about the most popular baby names in Hawaii – and some with distinct ties to the state’s fascinating history.
HAWAII AS A BABY NAME
The state’s name comes from the biggest island.
Legend tells of Hawi’iloa, a legendary navigator said to have discovered the island. While it’s a popular story and seems plausible, there’s no proof. In fact, it’s first recorded in the 19th century, suggesting it’s a relatively recent invention.
The name’s Polynesian roots are clear, but the exact meaning is debated. Homeland, sacred, and “place of the gods” are all oft-repeated.
It’s relatively rare as a given name. In 2008, five girls were named Hawaii. In 2024, that number was fewer than five – which simply means if there were one to four births, US Social Security Administration does not release that information for privacy purposes.
But even if this has never caught on as a place name, the state has had an outsized impact on naming trends and popularity during the 21st century.
TOP TEN BOY NAMES IN HAWAII
10. OLIVER (#3 in the US)
A classic choice, slightly less common here.
9. LUKE (#34 in the US)
This New Testament name shares sounds with lots of local favorites.
8. LEVI (#12 in the US)
Another Biblical name with a sound and style that fits.
7. KAI (#76 in the US)
The ultimate Hawaiian import to the mainland, Kai has long been a traditional chart-topper in the Aloha State.
6. LUCA (#23 in the US)
A romance language name that, like Luke and Levi, just plain works here. The connections between Pixar’s sweet sea monster and fictional Porto Rosso probably appeal, too. Lastly, it sounds a little bit like Hawaiian name Liko, meaning bud.
5. THEODORE (#4 in the US)
Like Oliver, a traditional choice that falls just the tiniest bit in the state’s rankings.
4. LIAM (#1 in the US)
With a relatively small Spanish-speaking population and far less Irish influence than some other states, Liam falls a bit.
3. EZRA (#13 in the US)
Just like Levi, Ezra succeeds on sound.
2. ELIJAH (#8 in the US)
Another Old Testament name that rises slightly here.
1. NOAH (#2 in the US)
With images tied to the sea and a sound like local favorite Koa, Noah still holds the top spot here. It’s also similar to the native word noe, meaning mist.
TOP 100 HAWAIIAN BOY NAMES
- Noah
- Elijah
- Ezra
- Liam
- Theodore
- Luca
- Kai
- Levi
- Luke
- Oliver
- Ezekiel
- James
- Leo
- Mateo
- Maverick
- Roman
- Asher
- Isaiah
- Luka
- Micah
- Lucas
- Atlas*
- Jack
- Caleb
- Elias
- Kaizen*
- Wesley
- William
- Isaac
- Samuel
- Benjamin
- Aiden
- Henry
- Keanu*
- Ethan
- Alexander
- Jacob
- Jeremiah
- Koa*
- Mason
- Logan
- David
- Enzo
- Josiah
- Silas
- Theo
- Thomas
- Ace*
- Daniel
- Makoa*
- Milo*
- Noa*
- Wyatt
- Eli
- Greyson*
- Hunter
- John
- Joseph
- Matthew
- Owen
- Zion*
- Carter
- Duke*
- Gabriel
- Joshua
- Judah*
- Michael
- Ryder*
- Alakai*
- Archer
- Austin*
- Charles
- Dylan
- Jackson
- Jasper*
- Jayden
- Jonah*
- Kaimana*
- Max
- Andrew
- Beau
- Hezekiah*
- Kainoa*
- Robert
- Sonny*
- Xavier*
- Grayson
- Hudson
- Jace*
- Jaxon
- Jayce*
- Julian
- Kaden*
- Kanaloa*
- Leonidas*
- Lincoln
- Miles
- Riley*
- River*
- Rowan
* indicates the name does not rank in the current US Top 1000
TOP TEN GIRL NAMES IN HAWAII
10. AURORA (#16 in the US)
A romantic, nature-forward name that succeeds here.
9. ISLA (#35 in the US)
This feels like an inevitable choice for an island state.
8. AVA (#9 in the US)
Brief, complete, and compatible with local naming traditions.
7. SOPHIA (#6 in the US)
A favorite across the US.
6. MIA (#5 in the US)
The sounds in Mia match up nicely with native names like Melia.
5. LILY (#24 in the US)
Flower names, or names referring to flowers, have fared well in the state. No surprise traditional, lovely Lily is a Top Ten pick. One interesting note: the last queen of the independent kingdom was Liliʻuokalani.
4. AMELIA (#3 in the US)
A classic popular nearly everywhere.
3. KAIA (#180 in the US)
This might be one of the most dramatic rises into a state’s Top Ten. While Kaia has many potential meanings, it is commonly seen as a feminine form of Kai. It shares the meaning “the sea” and the mix of tranquility and adventure implied.
2. EMMA (#2 in the US)
Popular across the US.
1. OLIVIA (#1 in the US)
Consistent with national trends, Olivia is also the top name here.
TOP 100 HAWAIIAN GIRL NAMES
- Olivia
- Emma
- Kaia*
- Amelia
- Lily
- Mia
- Sophia
- Ava
- Isla
- Aurora
- Chloe
- Charlotte
- Isabella
- Eliana
- Ella
- Aria
- Liliana
- Luna
- Nora
- Kailani*
- Leia*
- Mila
- Evelyn
- Leilani
- Naomi
- Ellie
- Emilia
- Emily
- Malia*
- Violet
- Harper
- Avery
- Mahina*
- Emi*
- Grace
- Hailey
- Leila*
- Lillian
- Lucy
- Maya
- Nova
- Penelope
- Summer*
- Amara*
- Ayla
- Elizabeth
- Halia*
- Riley
- Anela*
- Gianna
- Hazel
- Millie
- Sage*
- Sienna*
- Athena
- Eva*
- Haven*
- Iris
- Jasmine*
- Josephine
- Kailea*
- Kalea*
- Kira*
- Selah*
- Alana*
- Alora*
- Audrey
- Eleanor
- Ivy
- Layla
- Maia*
- Peyton*
- Remi*
- Ruby
- Zoey
- Aleia*
- Amira*
- Ariana*
- Jade
- Juniper*
- Kaila*
- Lainey
- Quinn
- Rose*
- Sadie
- Scarlett
- Sophie
- Alaia*
- Alina*
- Aliyah*
- Arabella*
- Arya*
- Aurelia*
- Bailey*
- Camila
- Delilah
- Diana*
- Eden
- Elena
- Everly
* indicates the name does rank in the current US Top 100
THE RISE OF KAI, LANI & MORE HAWAIIAN NAMES
Given the island’s diversity, it’s no surprise that a great many different types of names are in use. Two categories in particular stand out.
Hawaiian first names often include distinctive elements like -lani. Depending on use, it might mean heaven/sky, or royal. Leilani, meaning “heavenly flower” is a current Top 100 in the United States.
Another interesting group are the local equivalents of traditional English names. Kale for Charles is one; Aleka for Alice is another. Sometimes a name is two things: the equivalent of a mainstream English favorite and one that closely matches a local word or phrase.
Also worth noting: sometimes a literal nature name is rich with symbolic meanings drawn from local legend and mythology.
A number of Hawaiian dictionaries are easily accessible online, but often a name’s deep meanings require greater cultural context.
A random sample of names follows. Some are expressly Hawaiian; others slightly less so.
AILANI
Possibly a rare name related to the word for rule or enjoy with the -lani ending. Ailany is one of the fastest-rising names in the US right now, and it is an invented based on the Spanish Aylin.
ALANI
A name referring to the orange tree, or a twist on Alana.
ELIKOLANI
This name can mean royal child or leaf bud, Hawaiian-born singer Nicole Sherzinger has this as one of her middle names.
HEALANI
Pretty possibility with a hint of spirituality, thanks to the meaning “mist of heaven.”
KAIMANA
Literally sea power, but also a native word for diamond.
KALANI
A reference to the heavens, since “ka” is a definite article.
KALEA
Energetic sound with an appropriate meaning: joy or happiness.
KEHLANI
Made famous by California-born singer Kehlani, this name was likely based on Kailani, Kalani, and other favorites.
KONA
With lots of possible meanings internatnionally, Kona can also mean “leewards” or south west, a reference to the trade winds.
LONA
A name for the goddess of the moon in local mythology, possibly as a translation of Luna.
MAKANA
Unisex name meaning gift.
MALU
In Hawaiian, it can mean refuge or shelter. In Spanish languages, it’s likely to be a short form of double names like Maria Luisa.
MELE
It means song, but is also a stand-in for classic Mary. The Hawaiian transliteration of “Merry Christmas” is “MeleKalikimaka,” adding even more layers of meaning to this name. Recordings of a song by that name have appeared in movies and television across the ages, and are in heavy rotation at the holidays every year.
NALANI
Refers to the heavens or the rulers.
NOELANI
Pretty name meaning “heavenly mist.”
PALILA
The name of a native bird, borrowed from myth.
ROSELANI
Rose with the familiar -lani ending. Another form is Lokelani, since “loke” is the Hawaiian translation for the flower. Lokelani is the official flower of Maui.
UALANI
Pretty name meaning “heavenly rain.”
DISTINCTIVE HAWAII PLACE NAMES
EWA
Pronounce it almost like ever, but with an A. Ewa Beach in located on Oahu. Legend says that the gods threw a stone to determine the boundaries of their domain, but never could find it. Eventually they found it, and called the place Ewa,meaning stray.
HANA
Maui’s coastal Hana Highway makes the list of the world’s most scenic drives, taking visitors to tiny Hana. It means bay. (Or flower in Japanese, or one in Korean.) But in the US, Hana seems like a simplified version of Old Testament Hannah, meaning grace. It’s subtle and lovely.
HANALEI
This name means “crescent bay” and refers to Hanalei Bay. There’s also the nearby town of Hanalei. It’s sometimes considered
IOLANI
The Iolani Palace is the only royal palace located on US soil. Rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii called it home during the 19th century. Find it in Honolulu, a National Historic Landmark. Another similar girl’s name is Iolana, meaning “to soar.”
KEHENA
A black sand beach, Kehena is also called Dolphin Beach thanks to the many dolphins that make the area their home. It isn’t used as a given name because it’s the equivalent of Gehenna, another name for Hell. Which is … problematic. And yet, it sounds like a name.
PEARL
Pearl City and Pearl Harbor are forever linked to the 1941 attack on the USS Arizona and the US’s entry into World War II. It’s a site dedicated to the remembrance of those lost. Long before that, the area was famed for its oyster beds.
NAMES FROM HAWAII HISTORY & SYMBOLS
ACACIA
For acacia koa, a tree native to the islands.
ALAIA
An older type of surfboard, traditional before the 20th century, alaia-style boards are making a comeback today.
CORAL
Black coral is the state’s gemstone.
IO
The Hawaiian hawk is one of two birds of prey native toe the islands. (The other is an owl.) Io
KALO
The native word for taro, a starchy root vegetable and the traditional main ingredient in staple Hawaiian food poi.
KOA
It refers to a type of tree, the acacia koa, and its wood. But it also means warrior, possibly because koa wood was traditionally used for canoes.
LEHUA
The official flower of The Big Island, honoring the goddess Pele.
FAMOUS HAWAIIANS
AULI’I
The voice of Disney’s Moana, Auli’i Cravalho was born in Kohala, Hawaii.
BARACK
From 2009 through 2017, Barack Obama served as the 44th President of the United States. The first president born in Hawaii, his daughter Malia’s name is often considered a Hawaiian form of Maria.
BRUNO
Born Peter Hernadez in Honolulu, singer Bruno Mars has become an international music icon.
COCO
A member of the surfing family, Coco Malia Camille Hapaikekoa Ho’s name seems quintessentially of her home. Born in Honolulu, she is the daughter, niece, and younger sister of professional surfers. The Oahu native won the sport’s Rookie of the Year Award in 2009.
DUKE
If Coco is a more current name in surfing, Duke is the original. Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku was born in 1890, when the islands were still an independent kingdom. He became a champion swimmer, representing the US five times, and winning medals in 1912, 1920, and 1924. But he’s best remembered for introducing the world to surfing.
ESERA
A Polynesian spin on popular Ezra, Esera Tavai Tuaolo played nine seasons in the NFL.
GILBERT
In 1968, Americans fell for Hawaii Five-O, a police procedural set in the state. Gilbert Francis Lani Damian Kauhi played the part of Detective Kono Kalakaua for the show’s first four seasons. Gilbert chose to be credited by the name Zulu instead. Besides acting, he was an accomplished surfer, singer, and musician.
JAMES
The name James isn’t especially memorable in this company, but actor James Shigeta was world-changing. Born in Honolulu when it was an American territory, he was a third-generation Japanese-American. Shigeta went on to have a long and distinguished acting career in Hollywood, playing romantic lead male roles at a time when actors of Asian descent were often sidelined. In 1960, he won a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer.
KEANU
Actor Keanu Reeves was born in Beirut to an English mother and an American father. The latter explains his unusual name; his dad was from the state, and his paternal grandmother is Hawaiian and Chinese. Keanu’s name means “cool breeze.”
KELLY
From Honolulu-born actress Kelly Hu.
KIANA
During the 1990s, fitness personality Kiana Tom’s workout show was the most-watched on ESPN. Her name is sometimes considered an equivalent of Diana.
LEILANI
The cover of Hole’s iconic album “Live Through This” features a prom queen with smudged mascara. Model Leilani Bishop is immortalized as the cover model.
LILIA
An educator, Lilia Wahinemaikaʻi Hale has played a key role in the Hawaiian language renaissance and broader cultural development in the 20th century.
PUA
Like Duke, Pua Kele Kealoha became famous as an Olympic swimmer. He competed during the 1920s, and later retired to tour as a musician.
I’d add Damien for St. Damien of Molokai!