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Nalu

♀ Girl

Pronounced NAH-loo /ˈnɑ.lu/Medium

Meaning: From Hawaiian, 'a wave; the surf; the surging sea'Low

In 30 seconds: A wave; the surging surf: Nalu is Hawaiian. Lyrical, modern, and warm (said 'NAH-loo').

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Origin LowHawaiian

MeaningFrom Hawaiian, 'a wave; the surf; the surging sea'

U.S. rank (2025)#12792 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 40

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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 Hawaiian, 'a wave; the surf; the surging sea' (also linked to 'meditation; reflection'). A lyrical, modern name used for both sexes, here for a girl (said 'NAH-loo').

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

Did you know? Nalu means 'a wave; the surf; the surging sea' in Hawaiian — a lyrical, modern name (said 'NAH-loo').

Overall data confidence 44%

References — Nalu — Hawaiian etymology

Variations

NaluhNalua

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Nalu…

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Moana— a companion Hawaiian 'ocean' name

Leilani— a sound-neighbor Hawaiian girls' name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Nalu mean?

Nalu is Hawaiian for 'a wave; the surf; the surging sea'.

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 here as a girl's name; it suits both sexes.

How popular is Nalu?

Nalu is a rare name in the U.S.