Aloha! Welcome to Hawaii, where the vibes are as warm as the sun, and the crystal-clear waters and barrier reefs are teeming with marine life! Today’s topic is Hawaiian fish names.
Choosing a Hawaiian name for your pet fish provides you with an opportunity to weave the culture of this tropical paradise and all of its beauty into a unique identity. And no, we’re not talking about the local names of fish species that are native to the tropical island.
Instead, in this post, we’ll go through an outstanding collection of the most beautiful Hawaiian names that you could name your fish after. Whether you want a more traditional name or a quirky but exotic one, this list has got you covered!
Don’t miss out on these other top sought fish names for your aquatic buddies:
Contents
Hawaii Fish Names For Girls
You want a name that’s just right for your girl fish, highlighting specific characteristics or meanings. For this list, we’ve outlined a ton of names infused with the beauty and grace of Hawaiian culture.
1. Leilani – Heavenly flower
2. Kailani – Sea and sky
3. Alani – Orange tree
4. Iolana – To soar like the hawk
5. Halia – Memorial
6. Moana – Ocean
7. Nalani – The heavens
8. Olina – Joyous
9. Kai – Sea
10. Lokelani – Small red rose
11. Pualani – Heavenly flower
12. Kealoha – The loved one
13. Anela – Angel
14. Kapua – Flower
15. Lani – Heaven
16. Malana – Light
17. Noelani – Mist of heaven
18. Alohilani – Bright sky
19. Kona – Lady
20. Hoku – Star
21. Kalani – The heavens
22. Lulani – The highest point in heaven
23. Oliana – Oleander
24. Palila – Bird
25. Roselani – Rose of heaven
26. Kaimana – Diamond
27. Meilani – Beautiful flower
28. Ululani – Inspiration
29. Mahina – Moon
30. Kalea – Bright
31. Leia – Child of heaven
32. Nani – Beauty
33. Onaona – Sweet smell
34. Pakalana – Tropical flower
35. Wailani – Heavenly water
36. Keona – God’s precious gift
37. Lokahi – Unity
38. Makani – Wind
39. Poluna – Chubby
40. Hiilei – Carried in the arms
41. Kikokiko – Speckles
42. Mano – Shark
43. Nohea – Lovely
44. Wehilani – Adornment from heaven
45. Hauoli – Happy
46. Kalei – Beloved
47. Meli – Honey
48. Noelana – Mist of heaven
49. Ui – Beauty
50. Waiola – Water of life
Hawaii Fish Names for Boys
The connection between Hawaiian men and the ocean runs pretty deep. So, when it comes to your boy fish, you want a Hawaiian name that mirrors the strength and spirit of the ocean. Here are 50 name considerations to choose from for your male fish:
1. Keanu – Cool breeze
2. Liko – Bud
3. Kai – Sea
4. Makoa – Bold man
5. Ikaika – Strong
6. Kekoa – The warrior
7. Koa – Warrior
8. Mana – Power
9. Keoni – God is gracious
10. Kanoa – The free one
11. Aloha – Love
12. Hoku – Star
13. Kaleo – Voice
14. Makani – Wind
15. Nalu – Wave
16. Palani – Free man
17. Ano – Immeasurable
18. Kaimana – Diamond
19. Kealii – The chief
20. Keawe – The strand
21. Lono – God of fertility
22. Mano – Shark
23. Olino – Brilliant
24. Pekelo – Stone
25. Kahuna- Priest
26. Lanikai – Heavenly sea
27. Malo – Winner
28. Keiki – Boy
29. Nahele – Forest
30. Pali – Cliff
31. Akamu – Red earth
32. Hikialani – Looking at heaven
33. Kahoku – Star
34. Kamaka – Eye
35. Lokelani – Small red rose
36. Manuiwa – Bird
37. Pakela – Champion
38. Waiola – Water of life
39. Akoni – Worthy of admiration
40. Haku – Master
41. Iokua – God is salvation
42. Kale – Manly
43. Kalino – Brilliant
44. Kapono – Righteous
45. Keola – Life
46. Kona – Lady
47. Makana – Gift
48. Nakoa – Brave
49. Palapala – Document
50. Wailana – Calm water
Popular Hawaii Fish Names
While most people are keen on giving their pets non-generic names, there’s nothing wrong with opting for a name that’s popular—one that’s easily recognizable, especially among your family and friends.
Here are some names that have captured the hearts of many, even among the Hawaiian natives:
1. Kai – Sea
2. Moana – Ocean
3. Leilani – Heavenly flower
4. Kona – Lady
5. Keanu – Cool breeze
6. Lani – Heaven
7. Makai – Towards the sea
8. Nani – Beauty
9. Hoku – Star
10. Aloha – Love
11. Mana – Power
12. Koa – Warrior
13. Ikaika – Strong
14. Noelani – Mist of heaven
15. Kapua – Flower
16. Makoa – Bold man
17. Liko – Bud
18. Kalea – Bright
19. Anela – Angel
20. Kailani – Sea and sky
Funny Hawaii Fish Names
The Hawaiian people sure know how to have fun. So, why not add a splash of humor to your fish’s life with these amusing Hawaiian-inspired names? Take a look at them:
1. Kiki – Peek-a-boo
2. Flipper Hula – Dancing fin
3. Bubbles Aloha – Happy bubbles
4. Swimmy Lomi – Swimming massage
5. Squirt Kahuna – Little priest squirt
6. Giggles Moana – Ocean laughs
7. Puku Nui – Big belly
8. Wiggle Kona – Dancing lady
9. Splash Hoku – Star splash
10. Finny Kiki – Peek-a-boo fin
11. Chubby Lei – Plump garland
12. Sunny Malie – Calm sun
13. Bubbly Poi – Frothy food
14. Wahoo Aloha – Joyful fish
15. Glitter Kai – Sparkling sea
16. Wiggle Kimo – Dancing Jim
17. Snappy Lani – Quick heaven
18. Puffy Moku – Puffed island
19. Zippy Nui – Big speed
20. Hoppy Polu – Blue hop
Unique Hawaii Fish Names
There are all sorts of fish species with unique attributes that make for great aquarium diversity. So why not go with the motion and give them a one-of-a-kind Hawaiian name? Here are 20 standout Hawaiian names for your distinctive pet fish.
1. Aukai – Seafarer
2. Halulu – Thunder
3. Keahi – Fire
4. Kilikina – Coral
5. Milani – Gentle caress
6. Oke – Coral
7. Palapalai – Fern
8. Ulani – Cheerful
9. Wahine – Woman
10. Hikina – East
11. Kahili – Feather standard
12. Kaimalie – Calm sea
13. Lauae – Fern
14. Maluhia – Peace
15. Napua – Flowers
16. Olioli – Joyful
17. Polunu – Plump
18. Uilani – Beautiful bird
19. Waiaka – Water reflection
20. Hiilawe – Waterfall
Fictional Hawaii Fish Names
A lot is going on when it comes to Hawaiian fiction and folklore. Why not draw inspiration from the culture and gift your pet a fitting Hawaiian-themed name? Check out these really cool fiction-based names.
1. Moo – Lizard
2. Nuku – Mouthpiece
3. Pele – Goddess of fire
4. Kanaloa – God of the ocean
5. Kamapuaa – Pig god
6. Hiiaka – Goddess of dance
7. Kapuni – The chosen one
8. Lono-makua – God of fertility
9. Makalii – Eyes of the chief
10. Manu – Bird
11. Nanaue – Shark man
12. Poliahu – Goddess of snow
13. Ukanipo – Shark god
14. Wakine – Lightning
15. Hina – Moon goddess
16. Ku – God of war
17. Laamaikahiki – The one from a foreign land
18. Māui – Trickster demigod
19. Papa – Earth mother
20. Waia – Water spirit
Famous Hawaii Fish Names
Do you want your pet fish to bear a famous Hawaiian name? These names are inspired by famous Hawaiian figures, locations, and elements, resonating with the spirit of Hawaii.
1. Kamehameha – The great
2. Iolani – Royal hawk
3. Haleakala – House of the sun
4. Lanikai – Heavenly sea
5. Waikiki – Sprouting water
6. Makapuu – Bulging eye
7. Kahloa – Long breath
8. Liliuokalani – The smarting of the high-born
9. Manoa – Vastness
10. Hanauma – Curved bay
11. Pali – Cliff
12. Waimea – Red water
13. Kailua – Two seas
14. Kealakekua – Pathway of the gods
15. Napali – The cliffs
16. Hanalei – Crescent bay
17. Kalalau – Straying
18. Mauna Kea – White mountain
19. Kaena – The heat
20. Ulupo – Night inspiration
Creative Hawaii Fish Names
There’s certainly a place for you to get creative with Hawaiian names. Here are 20 creative Hawaiian names that will add an artistic touch to your pet’s identity.
1. Alohilohi – Sparkling
2. Hikialani – Gaze at heaven
3. Kanuha – The sullen
4. Laulima – Many hands
5. Makalapua – Blossoming
6. Nanea – Enjoyable
7. Pikake – Jasmine flower
8. Ululani – Divine inspiration
9. Waiuli – Blue water
10. Haleiwa – Home of the frigate birds
11. Kahakai – Beach
12. Lokomaikai – Generosity
13. Malie – Calm
14. Napali – Cliffs
15. Olowalu – Many hills
16. Puakenikeni – Ten-cent flower
17. Ulani – Cheerful
18. Waialeale – Rippling water
19. Hee – Octopus
20. Kaihalulu – Roaring sea
With these Hawaiian fish names, you can capture the essence and beauty of Hawaii right in your aquarium. Each name carries its own special meaning and history, making your pet fish’s name more than just a label but a story of its own. Happy fish naming!
How To Name Your Fish
There’s much to consider when it comes to giving your pet the perfect name. You want to choose a name that solidifies your fish’s identity and reflects its distinct personality and traits, which can create a strong bond between you and them. While this is fun, it can also be quite a challenge.
Names like Gill or Finn are great since they reflect part of a fish’s anatomy. You can also look to the specific species of your fish for a name that speaks to its unique identity.
Expand your horizon by considering the color, patterns, and unique characteristics of your fish. Names that highlight these aspects can add a personal touch and make your fish’s name truly special.
Navigating the Sea of Names
As we’ve said, there are many ways to navigate the sea of names in search of the perfect name for your underwater friend. With all the excitement and challenges involved in name searching, we’ve offered a few buoys to help you navigate through:
1. Simplicity is Key:
There’s beauty in simplicity! Catchy, right, but true nonetheless. So, opt for a name that flows off the tongue, preferably with one or two syllables. It should be memorable and easy for you to use comfortably.
2. Seek Far and Wide for Inspiration:
You certainly do not want to limit your search for the perfect name. Your inspiration can come from anywhere – from baby name books to the unique personality traits of your fish. Is your fish an eager eater, or does it have a quirky swimming pattern? Naming them after these traits can be both meaningful and fun.
3. Unique Stories Lead to Unique Names:
We all have a story, and that’s a great source of inspiration. Has your fish’s arrival into your life been nothing short of a storybook tale? Consider names that reflect this special journey. Names inspired by favorite movies or books, such as Dora, meaning “God’s gift,” or the beloved Nemo, can add a touch of narrative to your fish’s identity.
4. The Charm Factor:
Let the name reflect your aquatic friend’s quirky and playfulness. After all, pet names don’t have to feel too serious. Still, don’t feel pressured to follow trends. A name with positive associations in literature or with a personal connection can be just as delightful.
5. The Name Trial:
Test out your favorite names to see how they sound when called out loud. You want a name that feels just right when said aloud or, at the very least, typically one that rolls off the tongue effortlessly. Feedback from friends and family can be invaluable in gauging a name’s fit.
6. A Collective Brainstorm:
If you’re stuck in a naming whirlpool, don’t fret. You can turn to your social circle or dive into online communities and forums for a sea of ideas. Collaborating with your social circle and even random internet strangers can spark the perfect name.
7. Revitalize Common Names:
Turn a generic name into a non-generic one by adding a twist to it. You can do this by adding a title or modifying it slightly to refresh its appeal. “Ms. Nemo” can offer a new take on a classic name.
8. For the School of Fish:
If you want to name a school of fish, consider themes, pairings, or group names that reflect their collective identity. Another idea is to start a lineage. Drawing inspiration from previous pets can also connect generations of your aquatic family.
Final Thoughts
Hawaii is a colorful tropical island with a rich and fascinating history. It’s not surprising that you would want to be a part of Hawaii by giving your pet fish a Hawaiian name.
Still, you must remember that many factors influence the journey to finding the perfect Hawaiian name for your fish. So, take your time and scope around various avenues of inspiration, and when you find that perfect name, you’ll know it’s just the right fit for your fish friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
So, you’ve gone through our collection of the greatest Hawaiian names for your pet fish, but what else is there? During our search, we stumbled across some questions, and we’d like to answer them. Take a look.
Is There a Prerequisite Naming Scheme?
While there is a set naming scheme for fish species, you can name your pet whatever you like—it’s a personal touch.
What Is the Hawaiian Word for Fish?
In Hawaii, the word “iʻa” means fish, and it is the more widely used term to refer to fish. There’s also a rarer word for fish in Hawaii, and that’s “pihi.”
Are There Gender-Neutral Hawaiian Names?
There are many unisex Hawaiian names for your fish. A’ia’i, which means bright like the moon, and Ky, which means ocean, are great Hawaiian fish name choices.
Ian Sterling, founder of Fishlab.com, began his aquarium journey over 30 years ago, driven by a deep fascination for fish and their diverse personalities. His website, Fishlab.com, is dedicated to making fishkeeping accessible and enjoyable, offering beginner-friendly guidance, expert insights, and a community for aquarists to connect and share experiences.