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Home › Baby Names Directory › Nalu

Nalu

♂ Boy

Pronounced NAH-loo /ˈnɑ.lu/Medium

Meaning: From the Hawaiian nalu, 'a wave; the surf; the surging/swell of the sea'; used for both sexes; here for boysLow

In 30 seconds: A wave; the surf: Nalu is Hawaiian. Lyrical, classic, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys).
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Origin LowHawaiian
MeaningFrom the Hawaiian nalu, 'a wave; the surf; the surging/swell of the sea'; used for both sexes; here for boys
U.S. rank (2025)#5772 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births16 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 177

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202520012025

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

Nalu comes from the Hawaiian nalu, 'a wave; the surf; the surging/swell of the sea'. Used for both sexes, here for a boy (slug distinguished; said 'NAH-loo').

In the U.S. it appears in Hawaiian families. Rare, a-wave at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Nalu means 'a wave; the surf; the surging of the sea' in Hawaiian — a lyrical, classic name used for both sexes (here for boys; said 'NAH-loo').
Overall data confidence 40%
References — Nalu — unisex; Hawaiian etymology

Variations

Naluh

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Nalu…

Kai— a fellow Hawaiian 'sea' boys' name
Koa— a sound-neighbor Hawaiian boys' name
Makoa— a companion Hawaiian boys' name
Keanu— a kindred Hawaiian boys' name

Explore names like Nalu

By themeuncertainunisexhawaiiannature-namepolynesian
By meaningSea / Water

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Nalu mean?

Nalu is Hawaiian for 'a wave; the surf'; used for both sexes; here for a boy.

How do you pronounce Nalu?

It's said NAH-loo /ˈnɑ.lu/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Nalu a boy or girl name?

Nalu is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Nalu?

Nalu is a very rare name in the U.S.

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