Polynesian Baby Names
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39 names
Updated April 2026
#1 Pick
Kai
Rising Fast
Moana
Hidden Gem
Kaimana
Classic Pick
Keanu
Editor's Pick
Kai (KAH-ee)
Meaning "sea" in Hawaiian, Kai is a popular and versatile name reflecting the strong connection to the ocean.
Top 10 Polynesian Baby Names Names
| # | Name | Say it | Meaning | Tag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kai | KAH-ee | Meaning "sea" in Hawaiian, Kai is a popular and versatile name reflecting the st... Ranked #93 in the US (SSA 2025). Trend: stable. | Popular |
| 2 | Leilani | lay-LAH-nee | This Hawaiian name means "heavenly flower" or "royal child," evoking beauty and ... Ranked #60 in the US (SSA 2025). Trend: stable. | Popular |
| 3 | Keanu | kay-AH-noo | A Hawaiian name meaning "cool breeze" or "the coolness," often associated with p... Ranked #649 in the US (SSA 2025). Trend: falling. | Rare |
| 4 | Moana | moh-AH-nah | Meaning "ocean" or "sea" in Polynesian languages, Moana has gained popularity wo... Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #1559 in 2017. | Rare |
| 5 | Kaimana | kahy-MAH-nah | This Hawaiian name means "diamond" or "powerful sea," symbolizing strength and b... Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #2892 in 2022. | Rare |
| 6 | Lani | LAH-nee | Simply meaning "sky" or "heaven" in Hawaiian, Lani is a short and sweet name. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #999 in 1979. | Rare |
| 7 | Hina | HEE-nah | A Polynesian goddess associated with the moon, Hina represents feminine power an... Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #4490 in 2025. | Rare |
| 8 | Koa | KOH-ah | Meaning "brave," "bold," or "warrior" in Hawaiian, Koa is a strong and masculine... Ranked #269 in the US (SSA 2025). Trend: rising. | Trending |
| 9 | Malia | mah-LEE-ah | A Hawaiian form of Mary, Malia means "bitter" or "beloved," carrying a sense of ... Ranked #349 in the US (SSA 2025). Trend: falling. | Popular |
| 10 | Nani | NAH-nee | Meaning "beautiful" or "pretty" in Hawaiian, Nani is a simple and charming name. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #3858 in 2021. | Rare |
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Kai
KAH-ee
Meaning "sea" in Hawaiian, Kai is a popular and versatile name reflecting the strong connection to the ocean. Ranked #93 in the US (SSA 2025). Trend: stable.
Leilani
lay-LAH-nee
This Hawaiian name means "heavenly flower" or "royal child," evoking beauty and grace. Ranked #60 in the US (SSA 2025). Trend: stable.
Keanu
kay-AH-noo
A Hawaiian name meaning "cool breeze" or "the coolness," often associated with peace and tranquility. Ranked #649 in the US (SSA 2025). Trend: falling.
Moana
moh-AH-nah
Meaning "ocean" or "sea" in Polynesian languages, Moana has gained popularity worldwide. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #1559 in 2017.
Kaimana
kahy-MAH-nah
This Hawaiian name means "diamond" or "powerful sea," symbolizing strength and beauty. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #2892 in 2022.
Lani
LAH-nee
Simply meaning "sky" or "heaven" in Hawaiian, Lani is a short and sweet name. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #999 in 1979.
Hina
HEE-nah
A Polynesian goddess associated with the moon, Hina represents feminine power and creation. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #4490 in 2025.
Koa
KOH-ah
Meaning "brave," "bold," or "warrior" in Hawaiian, Koa is a strong and masculine name. Ranked #269 in the US (SSA 2025). Trend: rising.
Malia
mah-LEE-ah
A Hawaiian form of Mary, Malia means "bitter" or "beloved," carrying a sense of grace. Ranked #349 in the US (SSA 2025). Trend: falling.
Nani
NAH-nee
Meaning "beautiful" or "pretty" in Hawaiian, Nani is a simple and charming name. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #3858 in 2021.
Ikaika
ee-kahy-EE-kah
A Hawaiian name meaning "strong" or "powerful," embodying resilience and determination. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #1611 in 1983.
Aloha
ah-LOH-hah
More than just a greeting, Aloha means "love," "affection," and "compassion" in Hawaiian. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #1304 in 1927.
Kapono
kah-POH-noh
Meaning "righteous," "just," or "good" in Hawaiian, Kapono represents integrity. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #5820 in 2011.
Lilo
LEE-loh
Meaning "generous one" in Hawaiian, Lilo is associated with the Disney character. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #3231 in 2025.
Makani
mah-KAH-nee
This Hawaiian name means "wind," representing freedom and a connection to nature. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #4054 in 2022.
Pono
POH-noh
Meaning "goodness," "excellence," or "righteousness" in Hawaiian, Pono emphasizes moral character. Outside US top 1000 in 2007; peak #9536 in 2007.
Aolani
ah-oh-LAH-nee
Meaning "heavenly cloud" in Hawaiian, Aolani evokes a sense of peace and tranquility. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #3173 in 2007.
Hokulani
hoh-koo-LAH-nee
This Hawaiian name means "heavenly star," representing guidance and inspiration. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #8476 in 2002.
Kekoa
keh-KOH-ah
Meaning "the brave one" or "the warrior" in Hawaiian, Kekoa signifies courage. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #1929 in 2017.
Iolani
ee-oh-LAH-nee
A Hawaiian name meaning "royal hawk," associated with strength and nobility. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #9841 in 2013.
Taimana
TAH-ee-mah-nah
A Tahitian name meaning "diamond," symbolizing beauty, strength, and preciousness.
Raiatea
rah-ee-ah-TAY-ah
The name of a sacred island in French Polynesia, Raiatea is associated with spirituality.
Tiare
tee-AH-reh
Meaning "flower" in Tahitian, Tiare is often associated with the Tahitian gardenia. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #2236 in 1992.
Ariki
ah-REE-kee
Meaning "chief" or "noble" in Maori, Ariki represents leadership and authority.
Manaia
mah-NAH-ee-ah
A Maori name meaning "guardian spirit," often depicted in carvings, Manaia offers protection. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #6626 in 2015.
Rawiri
rah-WEE-ree
The Maori version of David, Rawiri means "beloved.".
Ataahua
ah-tah-AH-hoo-ah
Meaning "beautiful" or "handsome" in Maori, Ataahua is a unisex name.
Tane
TAH-neh
A Maori god of forests and birds, Tane represents life and creation. Outside US top 1000 in 2004; peak #2420 in 1963.
Mele
MEH-leh
Meaning "song" or "poem" in Hawaiian, Mele is also a Hawaiian form of Mary. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #3342 in 1991.
Pua
POO-ah
Meaning "flower" or "blossom" in Hawaiian, Pua is a simple and sweet name.
Kimo
KEE-moh
A Hawaiian version of James, Kimo means "supplanter.". Outside US top 1000 in 2024; peak #1973 in 1981.
Halia
hah-LEE-ah
Meaning "remembrance" or "fond memory" in Hawaiian, Halia evokes nostalgia. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #2714 in 2023.
Noelani
noh-eh-LAH-nee
Meaning "heavenly mist" in Hawaiian, Noelani is associated with beauty. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #1513 in 2006.
Luka
LOO-kah
A Hawaiian version of Luke, Luka means "bringer of light.". Ranked #85 in the US (SSA 2025). Trend: rising.
Keala
keh-AH-lah
Meaning "the path" in Hawaiian, Keala symbolizes guidance and direction. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #3146 in 2005.
Kaleo
kah-LEH-oh
Meaning "the voice" or "the sound" in Hawaiian, Kaleo represents expression. Ranked #898 in the US (SSA 2025). Trend: rising.
Ilima
ee-LEE-mah
A type of native Hawaiian flower, Ilima is associated with royalty and beauty. Outside US top 1000 in 2020; peak #7581 in 1976.
Kalei
kah-LAY
Meaning "the flower wreath" or "the garland" in Hawaiian, Kalei signifies beauty. Outside US top 1000 in 2025; peak #1403 in 2003.
Luanu'u
loo-AH-noo-oo
Meaning "high place" or "heights" in Samoan, Luanu'u symbolizes ambition.
🔊 Pronunciation Guide
KaiKAH-ee
Leilanilay-LAH-nee
Keanukay-AH-noo
Moanamoh-AH-nah
Kaimanakahy-MAH-nah
LaniLAH-nee
HinaHEE-nah
KoaKOH-ah
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Sibling & Middle Names
Kai & Leilani
Ocean and heavenly flower.
Koa & Malia
Strong warrior and beloved.
Keanu & Moana
Cool breeze and ocean.
Lilo & Luka
Generous and bringer of light.
Kai & Alexander
A classic pairing of cultures.
Leilani & Grace
Heavenly flower and grace.
Koa & James
A strong, timeless combination.
Moana & Rose
Ocean and beauty combined.
How to Choose: 5 Tips
Say it out loud — Test how the name sounds with your last name and as a full name.
Check the initials — Make sure the initials don't spell anything awkward.
Think about nicknames — Consider what the name shortens to naturally.
Cultural fit — Reflect on the name's origin and how it fits your family background.
Future-proof it — Imagine the name on a resume, not just a baby onesie.
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Try Bobo FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Polynesian names?
Polynesian names are deeply rooted in culture and often reflect a connection to nature, spirituality, and ancestry. The meanings are significant because they often bestow blessings, wishes, or character traits upon the child, shaping their identity within the community. These names can also tell stories of the family's history or connection to the land.
Are Polynesian names suitable for non-Polynesian families?
Yes, Polynesian names can be used by anyone who appreciates their beauty and meaning. However, it's essential to research the name's cultural context and pronunciation to ensure respect and understanding. Consider if the name's meaning resonates with your family's values and beliefs.
How do I choose the right Polynesian name for my baby?
Start by exploring the meanings of different names and see which ones resonate with you. Consider the cultural significance and pronunciation of the name. It is also helpful to research the name's history and any associated stories.
Are there unisex Polynesian names?
Yes, many Polynesian names are unisex. Names like Makani (wind) and Aloha (love) can be used for both boys and girls. Researching the name's specific usage within its culture of origin can help determine its appropriateness for your child.
Where can I find reliable information about Polynesian names?
Look for resources created by or in collaboration with Polynesian cultural organizations or language experts. Academic databases, cultural centers, and websites dedicated to Polynesian languages and traditions are great places to start. Be wary of generic baby name websites that may not accurately represent the cultural nuances.
