Recommend a Hawaiian name for a boy

[StinkyTheGrump]

Re: Recommend a Hawaiian name for a boy

It's more and more common for non-Hawaiian children to have Hawaiian middle names - kind of out of respect for the culture and land they were born into.

This is somewhat similar to Europeans, Africans and Asians taking Western names when moving to America.

Is there any notable reaction from Hawaiians regarding this practice?

[craigwatanabe]

Re: Recommend a Hawaiian name for a boy

All of my kids have Hawaiian middle names because they are part Hawaiian and all were given their names by family or close friends.

[Amati]

Re: Recommend a Hawaiian name for a boy

Is there any notable reaction from Hawaiians regarding this practice?

Sometimes yes, from both Hawaiian and non-Hawaiians, but this is a topic filled with landmines and hard to discuss while maintaining "being P.C.".

[Peshkwe]

Re: Recommend a Hawaiian name for a boy

From what I've picked up, Hawaiian naming is similar to Native American namings. It's given out by family to family and there's a meaning or wish to go with the name chosen and often there's a subtext meaning....unless it's something like Kimo where it's an adaptation of an English name to the Hawaiian language.

Keeping in mind the translations and sub-textual meanings and outright "yank your chain 'cause you dunno no different" names ala Mike's suggestion, you may want to do some deeper research...you don't want to inadvertently name the kid 'coughing trousers' or some such.

[matapule]

Re: Recommend a Hawaiian name for a boy

I have to laugh when I think back to some of the names Tongans gave to their sons...to make them "unique." Names like the Tongan word for Cigarette, Bad Trip, Dog, or Fight with Waves. Sometimes I thought names like George (Siousi), Charlotte (Salote), or Judy (Siotiti) worked better. Uaifi was honored to name a first born Tongan girl (that she delivered!). She chose Viki. The family loved it!

A good traditional Tongan male name beginning with K is Kavenga.

[Kaonohi]

Re: Recommend a Hawaiian name for a boy

Is there any notable reaction from Hawaiians regarding this practice?

Mostly I have noticed a positive reaction. This may be because it is viewed as 'attaching the child to... (the mana of the a`ina)-(the culture) -(etc.) rather than yet another usurpation of things Hawaiian.

If you get a Hawaiian name, it brands you with a part Hawaiian identity, to the degree that you use it, and it is an honor if conferred by a qualified Hawaiian - it's a kind of acceptance.

When I introduce myself as "Dr. L_____," the anthropologist, it elicits no smiles, but when I add, "Please call me Ka`onohi..." the mood changes.

It is a voluntary affirmation of identity.

[Tiger Beer]

Re: Recommend a Hawaiian name for a boy

"Koa" is my favorite Hawaiian name for a boy.

I have a son now, and next one I have, I want to name him 'Koa'