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Home › Baby Names Directory › Hanalei

Hanalei

♂ Boy

Pronounced hah-nah-LAY /hɑ.nɑˈleɪ/Medium

Meaning: A Hawaiian place name — Hanalei Bay and valley on Kauai — carried into given-name use. It is popularly linked to senses like 'crescent bay' or 'making of lei (garlands),' though as a place name its given-name meaning is loose, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A Hawaiian place name: Hanalei names a bay and valley on Kauai, often read as 'crescent bay.' We note it as a place name (said 'hah-nah-LAY').
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Origin MediumHawaiian
MeaningA Hawaiian place name — Hanalei Bay and valley on Kauai — carried into given-name use. It is popularly linked to senses like 'crescent bay' or 'making of lei (garlands),' though as a place name its given-name meaning is loose, which we note.
U.S. rank (2024)#11377 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 16

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202420172024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Hanalei is a Hawaiian place name for a bay and valley on the north shore of Kauai, taken up as a given name. Popular readings include 'crescent bay' and 'making of lei,' but as a place name its personal meaning is loose, which we note (said 'hah-nah-LAY').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely as a boy's name. Rare, place-rooted, and lyrical.

Did you know? Hanalei is a Hawaiian place — the storied bay and valley on Kauai — used as a name and often glossed 'crescent bay' or tied to lei-making. As a place name its meaning is loose, which we note, said 'hah-nah-LAY.'
Overall data confidence 42%
References — Hanalei — Hawaiian place name (Kauai); 'crescent bay' reading; meaning loose

Variations

HanaleeHanaleigh

Nicknames

HanaLei

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Hanalei…

Kai— a like Hawaiian sea-toned name
Makai— another Hawaiian place-and-name pick
Koa— a like Hawaiian nature name
Kaleo— a like lyrical Hawaiian choice

Explore names like Hanalei

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Hanalei mean?

Hanalei is a Hawaiian place name (a bay and valley on Kauai), often read as 'crescent bay.' As a place name its meaning is loose, which we note.

How do you pronounce Hanalei?

It's said hah-nah-LAY /hɑ.nɑˈleɪ/ — three syllables, stress on the last.

Is Hanalei a boy or girl name?

Here Hanalei is used as a boy's name; note it is also used for girls.

How popular is Hanalei?

Hanalei is a rare name in the U.S.

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