Hawaiian Last Names: A Guide to Meaning and Origin

Are you interested in learning more about the origins and meanings of Hawaiian last names? These names often reflect the beauty and rich culture of the islands, with ties to nature, history, and lineage. This comprehensive list explores a wide range of Hawaiian last names, shedding light on their fascinating stories and connections to the Hawaiian people. Let's embark on a journey into the world of Hawaiian surnames and uncover their unique significance.
1. **Ahe**: Breath, air, wind.
2. **Ai**: To eat, to feed.
3. **Akana**: A type of fish, or "the fish of the reef."
4. **Alama**: A type of tree.
5. **Alau**: A type of fish.
6. **Amato**: "Loved one" or "beloved."
7. **Ana**: A type of fern.
8. **Anania**: A type of bird, often used to symbolize freedom.
9. **Ao**: Daybreak, daylight, morning.
10. **Apa**: Meaningless, unimportant.
11. **Au**: A type of fish.
12. **Awa**: A type of plant used to make a traditional drink.
13. **Azama**: A type of tree with edible fruit.
14. **Botelho**: A Portuguese surname.
15. **Cabral**: A Portuguese surname.
16. **Carvalho**: A Portuguese surname.
17. **Cunha**: A Portuguese surname.
18. **De Lima**: A Portuguese surname.
19. **De Souza**: A Portuguese surname.
20. **Dias**: A Portuguese surname.
21. **Fernandes**: A Portuguese surname.
22. **Ferreira**: A Portuguese surname.
23. **Fonseca**: A Portuguese surname.
24. **Gomes**: A Portuguese surname.
25. **Gonsalves**: A Portuguese surname.
26. **Heke**: To move, to travel.
27. **Hilo**: A town on the Big Island of Hawaii.
28. **Ho**: A type of fish, or "the fish of the ocean."
29. **Hoʻokano**: A type of musical instrument.
30. **Ika**: A type of fish, often used to symbolize strength and resilience.
31. **Ima**: A type of tree.
32. **Kalei**: A type of flower, often used to symbolize love and beauty.
33. **Kamaka**: A type of tree, often used to symbolize longevity.
34. **Kea**: A type of bird, often used to symbolize freedom and independence.
35. **Kekoa**: Brave, strong, warrior.
36. **Keawe**: A type of tree.
37. **Kimo**: A type of tree, often used to symbolize peace and tranquility.
38. **Koa**: A type of tree, often used to symbolize strength and durability.
39. **Kona**: A region on the Big Island of Hawaii.
40. **Kua**: Back, behind, rear.
41. **Laʻana**: A type of tree, often used to symbolize wisdom and knowledge.
42. **Lau**: Leaf, foliage.
43. **Lehua**: A type of flower, often used to symbolize passion and beauty.
44. **Lono**: A Hawaiian god, often associated with agriculture and fertility.
45. **Maile**: A type of vine, often used to symbolize love and affection.
46. **Mana**: Spiritual power or supernatural force.
47. **Mao**: A type of plant, often used to symbolize peace and tranquility.
48. **Maka**: Eye, face, expression.
49. **Malama**: To care for, to protect, to nurture.
50. **Mele**: Song, chant, music.
51. **Moana**: Ocean, sea.
52. **Nakoa**: A type of fish, often used to symbolize strength and resilience.
53. **Nani**: Beautiful, pretty, lovely.
54. **Nohea**: Beautiful, charming, elegant.
55. **Oʻahu**: An island in the Hawaiian archipelago.
56. **Paʻa**: Strong, firm, steady.
57. **Paka**: A type of fish, often used to symbolize luck and fortune.
58. **Pua**: Flower, blossom.
59. **Pukui**: A type of bird, often used to symbolize freedom and independence.
60. **Roosevelt**: A surname of English origin.
61. **Santos**: A surname of Portuguese origin.
62. **Silva**: A surname of Portuguese origin.
63. **Souza**: A surname of Portuguese origin.
64. **Tane**: A type of tree, often used to symbolize strength and durability.
65. **Tapa**: A type of cloth made from the bark of a tree.
66. **Tau**: Year, season.
67. **Ulu**: Breadfruit, a staple food in Hawaiian culture.
68. **Velasquez**: A surname of Spanish origin.
69. **Waia**: Water, liquid.
70. **Wailua**: A river or a place with water.
71. **Waimea**: Red water, or "the water of the red earth."
72. **Wili**: A type of fish, often used to symbolize luck and fortune.
73. **Yosef**: A Hebrew surname.
74. **Young**: A surname of English origin.