Hawaiian Last Names: A Deep Dive into Meaning and Origin

Hawaiian last names, often called "family names," hold a rich tapestry of meaning and history. These names, passed down through generations, reflect the unique cultural heritage of the islands. Many Hawaiian last names are derived from natural elements, geographical locations, or ancestral lineages, offering a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of their bearers. Let's explore the diverse meanings behind these captivating surnames.
1. **Aina:** Land, earth, or country
2. **Akana:** Red, scarlet, or a type of fish
3. **Alama:** Sign, mark, or signal
4. **Ali:** Chief, noble, or ruler
5. **Alipate:** To govern or rule
6. **Ama:** Mother, parent, or caretaker
7. **Anuhea:** Pleasant, beautiful, or delightful
8. **Aoki:** Green, verdant, or the Hawaiian name for a type of tree
9. **Apana:** Land, property, or possession
10. **Au:** To have, possess, or own
11. **Aulani:** Royal, noble, or belonging to a chief
12. **Awai:** Place, spot, or location
13. **Blossom:** A flower or bloom
14. **Cabrera:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the Canary Islands
15. **Camacho:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the Basque region of Spain
16. **Cardenas:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the city of Cardenas, Spain
17. **Carvalho:** A Portuguese surname that may have origins in the region of Minho, Portugal
18. **Castro:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the region of Castile, Spain
19. **Chang:** A Chinese surname that may have origins in the province of Guangdong, China
20. **Choy:** A Chinese surname that may have origins in the province of Fujian, China
21. **Chun:** A Chinese surname that may have origins in the province of Guangdong, China
22. **De Silva:** A Portuguese surname that may have origins in the region of Algarve, Portugal
23. **Domingo:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the region of Aragon, Spain
24. **Fernandez:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the region of Asturias, Spain
25. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the region of Castile, Spain
26. **Gomes:** A Portuguese surname that may have origins in the region of Minho, Portugal
27. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the region of Castile, Spain
28. **Han:** A Chinese surname that may have origins in the province of Shandong, China
29. **Harada:** A Japanese surname that may have origins in the region of Kansai, Japan
30. **Hayashi:** A Japanese surname that may have origins in the region of Kanto, Japan
31. **He:** A Chinese surname that may have origins in the province of Hebei, China
32. **Ho:** A Chinese surname that may have origins in the province of Guangdong, China
33. **Ho'olehua:** Beautiful, lovely, or graceful
34. **Ikaika:** Strong, powerful, or valiant
35. **Kaleo:** To call, summon, or invite
36. **Kamaka:** To love, cherish, or adore
37. **Kapono:** Righteous, just, or holy
38. **Kawai:** Sweet, lovable, or charming
39. **Kealoha:** Beloved, cherished, or dear
40. **Kekoa:** Brave, fearless, or warrior
41. **Keawe:** A type of tree, often used in traditional Hawaiian crafts
42. **Keaulana:** Famous, renowned, or celebrated
43. **Kekaulike:** The name of a famous Hawaiian king
44. **Kelekona:** A type of fish, often considered a delicacy
45. **Kellina:** A beautiful woman, often used as a term of endearment
46. **Kenui:** Strong, powerful, or capable
47. **Kimo:** Beloved, cherished, or dear
48. **Kinau:** To wait, anticipate, or look forward to
49. **Kualii:** A type of seabird, often associated with freedom
50. **Kuhio:** A name of a famous Hawaiian prince
51. **Lani:** Sky, heaven, or the heavens
52. **Laniakea:** Immense, boundless, or vast
53. **Lau:** Leaf, foliage, or greenery
54. **Lehua:** A type of flower, often associated with beauty
55. **Lima:** Hand, arm, or power
56. **Loa:** To go, travel, or journey
57. **Maile:** A type of plant, often used for lei making
58. **Maka:** Eye, sight, or vision
59. **Makana:** Gift, present, or offering
60. **Manoa:** A valley on the island of Oahu, known for its beauty
61. **Maui:** The name of a famous Hawaiian demigod
62. **Mele:** Song, music, or melody
63. **Moana:** Ocean, sea, or the vastness of water
64. **Nakoa:** Warrior, fighter, or defender
65. **Nani:** Beautiful, lovely, or charming
66. **Napo:** The name of a famous Hawaiian chief
67. **Nalu:** Wave, surge, or crest
68. **Oahu:** The name of an island in the Hawaiian archipelago
69. **Okamura:** A Japanese surname that may have origins in the region of Kansai, Japan
70. **Ono:** Good, nice, or pleasant
71. **Pa'a:** Strong, firm, or steadfast
72. **Pailani:** A princess, a woman of high rank
73. **Palila:** A type of bird, often considered a symbol of hope
74. **Pua:** Flower, bloom, or blossom
75. **Puakea:** A type of flower, often associated with love
76. **Reyes:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the region of Castile, Spain
77. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the region of Asturias, Spain
78. **Santos:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the region of Castile, Spain
79. **Silva:** A Portuguese surname that may have origins in the region of Minho, Portugal
80. **Soares:** A Portuguese surname that may have origins in the region of Minho, Portugal
81. **Souza:** A Portuguese surname that may have origins in the region of Minho, Portugal
82. **Takahashi:** A Japanese surname that may have origins in the region of Kanto, Japan
83. **Tanaka:** A Japanese surname that may have origins in the region of Kansai, Japan
84. **Torres:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the region of Castile, Spain
85. **Ulu:** Breadfruit, a staple food in Hawaiian cuisine
86. **Valdez:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the region of Castile, Spain
87. **Velasquez:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the region of Asturias, Spain
88. **Vera:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the region of Castile, Spain
89. **Vicente:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the region of Aragon, Spain
90. **Villa:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the region of Castile, Spain
91. **Villanueva:** A Spanish surname that may have origins in the region of Castile, Spain
92. **Waialeale:** A mountain on the island of Kauai, known for its beauty
93. **Waihe'e:** A place of water, a stream, or a river
94. **Waimanalo:** A town on the island of Oahu, known for its beaches
95. **Wailua:** A river on the island of Kauai, known for its beauty
96. **Waimea:** A town on the island of Kauai, known for its cowboy culture
97. **Wakai:** Young, youthful, or fresh
98. **Yamada:** A Japanese surname that may have origins in the region of Kansai, Japan
99. **Yamashita:** A Japanese surname that may have origins in the region of Kanto, Japan
100. **Yokoyama:** A Japanese surname that may have origins in the region of Kanto, Japan