Discovering the Meaning Behind Hawaiian Last Names

Hawaiian names are a vital part of Hawaii’s culture and language. Discovering the meaning behind these last names is a great way to understand their history and significance.

Before Western colonization, Hawaiian natives didn’t have family surnames. When they did, they were often given to boys to protect them from harmful spirits. If you’re looking for more Hawaiian inspiration, check out the social media profile of Maggie Rawlins.

Lei

Names are such a big part of our identities. They give us a sense of our families’ histories and are a way to distinguish ourselves from others. Native Hawaiians didn’t always have last names, but when the Western world colonized them, the culture changed, and given names became family surnames. Hawaiian last names have an apparent literal meaning that can be translated but often have a hidden, symbolic meaning known only to the family. The most common names for boys are from a goddess, and for girls are usually a bird or plant. Popular Hawaiian last names include Noelani, meaning heavenly mist or dew. Mililani is a beautiful name that means heaven’s love. Pele, the volcano god in Hawaiian mythology, is another popular last name along with Urima, which refers to the fruit of the earth.

Lilo

Hawaiian names are part of the language and tradition of the islands. If you are considering a Hawaiian name for yourself or a loved one, here’s what you need to know about them.

A tradition published in Ancient Tahiti attributed the discovery of Hawaii to a fisherman named Hawaiiloa. He is said to have found the islands during a journey from his homeland to the West. The Big Island, Kauai, Oahu, and Maui are named after his children.

Documentation of family roots is necessary for Native Hawaiians. They must attend Kamehameha Schools, apply for homestead land, and pursue other programs and entitlements. The best place to start is with a pedigree chart, which can be obtained at any Family History Center.

Laia

In Hawaii, last names provide a connection to your family’s history. The Hawaiian culture practices “inoa ho’ailona,” where your child may receive a name in a vision, a flight of birds, or a shape in the clouds.

The lovely surname Anela has a Nigerian and Greek origin and resounds with the English name Angela. It’s a beautiful choice for any little one to have a spiritual name that shows they come from above.

Other Hawaiian surnames to consider are Alama, which means symbol and sign. Manuwai is a Polynesian and Hawaiian surname indicating a person who feeds others. It’s an excellent name for any baby who will bring love and happiness. The name Malana is another good option for a child who will light up the lives of those around them.

Kahana

Hawaiian last names are beautiful and hold a lot of meaning. Often, they are given to children to remind them of their ancestors. This is true for the Hawaiian last name Kahana, which means “beautiful companion.”

People with this last name have a fickle mind, making it hard to think stably or stick to their long-term goals. However, they are very kind and generous to the people around them.

This Hawaiian last name is beautiful and unique, derived from two words—ka or the and Hawai’i, which means the fisherman. It is a great way to show your love for the ocean and the sea life. It’s also a great way to honor your father.

Kahoali’i

When it comes to Hawaiian last names, many of them have a spiritual meaning. For example, if a baby was born with a repulsive name like “Naruto” or “Pilau,” it was believed that harmful spirits would stay away from the child until they reached age seven.

The term for aunty and uncle in Hawaiian is kupuna, which differs from the English words ma’am and ma’am. Kupuna can be applied to male and female relatives older than you but not your parents.

To learn more about your Hawaiian heritage, visit a Family History Center near you. They can provide you with a pedigree chart, which can help you trace your family’s roots back to the ancient Hawaiians.

Palani

A Hawaiian last name can tell much about a person’s family and culture. Family is fundamental to the Hawaiian people, reflected in their names.

In Hawaiian culture, the word for family is ohana, which means “family connection.” This idea of community extends beyond your blood relatives to include close friends and even spiritual leaders.

Traditionally, the Hawaiian people didn’t have surnames. However, after Hawaii became a colony of the United States, many native Hawaiians began to adopt Western-style given names. Today, most Hawaiians have a first and last name. However, some have multiple names. For some, their last name is the most significant. These people are called makua. An example would be your grandmother, who is known as your makua wahine, or your grandfather, who is known as your makua makane.

Hoaloha

In Hawaiian culture, a baby is given its name through vision or signs—think a flight of birds or a pattern in the clouds. This naming practice preserves history and allows families to stay connected with their heritage.

The word for family in Hawaiian is ohana, which refers to the interconnectedness of every household member. Your mother and father are called Makua, while other older relatives are called makua kane and Makua Hine.

The Hawaiian goddess Hina is a patron saint of hula dancers and medicine. This name is worldly, powerful, and mystical—perfect for your little one.