Peni (PEH-nee) is a Hawaiian derivative of Ben.Mikaela (mah-KAY-lə) is the Hawaiian version of the Hebrew name Michelle, meaning “who resembles God.”.Multiple meanings exist, including “wished for child” or “rebellious.” Mele (MEH-leh) is the Hawaiian equivalent of Maria or Mary, which comes from the Hebrew name Miryam.

Kiana (key-AN-ah) is the Hawaiian version of Danianne or Diana.Kaniela (KaaN-iyEHL-AH) is a unisex Hawaiian version of name Daniel or Daniela.Keoki (kee-OH-kee) is a Hawaiian form of George.David is an English name derived from the Old Hebrew name “Dodaveha,” which means “beloved of Yahweh.” Kawika (kah-WEE-kah) is a Hawaiian form of David.Hawaiian baby names created from western names To help inspire your Hawaiian baby name search, we sourced ideas from our experts, as well as scoured baby names websites to come up with our own curated list of 51 beautiful and unique Hawaiian baby names. (See examples of these in our list below.) If non-Hawaiians want an inoffensive Hawaiian-sounding name, the best, most respectful option is to use names created from western names, Kahu Dave explains. “It’s especially egregious to use names of royalty, tribes or revered persons in a particular culture.” “It is considered offensive for Caucasian parents to use baby names from cultures that were oppressed, slaughtered or exploited by white people, which includes indigenous Hawaiians,” she says. “Name appropriation is a form of cultural appropriation and is something for white parents to consider when naming their children,” notes Jennifer Moss, the founder and CEO of and one of the country’s foremost baby name experts. “Since there is so much meaning to a Hawaiian name, being able to share the story behind your name helps you connect to your ancestors as you prepare yourself for the future.” Cultural sensitivity and Hawaiian baby namesįor all the transporting beauty and symbolism behind Hawaiian names, do be mindful of sensitivities if you choose to give your baby any name outside of your own culture. “It tells a story, like a hula, with its imagery and hidden meanings that change over time,” he says. Kahu Dave explains that Hawaiian names carry the hopes and dreams of parents and ancestors. “For example, by pairing Kawai (water) with Lani (heaven) we create the name Kawailani.” “Each element or combination of elements will create a story and new meanings to the new word,” he says. “These metaphors have multiple meanings, known as kauna, that can change over time, revealing themselves at different stages of a person’s life,” he says.Įlements of nature are frequently used in Hawaiian baby names include ocean (Kai), heaven (Lani), mountains (Mauna/Pu’u), water (Kawai) and many more. Most Hawaiian names, Kahu Dave explains, describe things in the natural world. “Names can serve as protection from evil or illness, and remind us of who we are and our purpose in life.” The meaning behind Hawaiian baby names Wallace - better known by the honorific Kahu Dave - who is a native Hawaiian healer and author. “Naming children, places and objects is important since a name carries mana, along with the hopes and dreams of family members,” explains David J. In addition to their sweet sounds, Hawaiian names also carry powerful depth and meaning. Many Hawaiian names sound almost like lullabies: They have beautiful cadence and flow, rolling off the tongue in a melody of vowels and syllables.

Names meaning wanderer