Cultural Appropriation of Hawaiian Names
Using a Hawaiian name when not Hawaiian could be seen as cultural appropriation. Appropriation involves taking power or meaning away from Hawaiians. However, some argue that non-Hawaiians using Hawaiian names does not necessarily take anything away. The more important issue is whether the naming is appropriate.
Hawaiians borrowed names from royalty, mythology, songs, ancestors, and family. Names were given meaning and spiritual power. Today, some common Hawaiian names like Leilani and Malakai are used widely beyond native families.
Native American Naming Controversies
The Native American name controversy discusses terminology and preferred naming. "Eskimo" was once common but is now often seen as derogatory, being replaced by "Inuit" or tribes’ own names. One reason is the incorrect belief "Eskimo" meant "eaters of raw meat" in rival tribes’ languages.
Hawaiian Naming Laws
What is the Hawaiian naming law?
The law stated married women adopt their husband’s name. Children took their father’s name and a suitable Christian name. This continued until 1967.
Hawaiians saw names as property with power. Revealed in dreams or visions, not copied. Suitable to social class and family gods. Chiefs’ names began with Kealiʻi- or ended with -lani. Slaves were only given simple natural names.
Today generic names are given deeper family meaning. Literal meaning is usually clear. Color names are more precise; for example, the yellow ti leaf is called pala.
There must be a consistent public interest for the lieutenant governor to allow a name change. Petition requirements for adults and minors are stipulated.
Naming Your Business
Your LLC name can’t be a government agency or duplicate another business. “Calabash” refers to a serving bowl, not a gourd. “Ohana suite” implies a separate kitchen.
Language Preservation
The 1860 law, the overthrow of the kingdom, and English-only schools contributed to the loss of Hawaiian language speakers. However, preschool immersion programs are helping the language to survive. Native Hawaiians are called kanaka maoli.
Can I name my baby KOA?
Today’s generic names are given deeper family meanings. Color names are more precise; for example, the yellow ti leaf is called pala.
There must be a consistent public interest for any name change. Petition requirements for adults and minors are enforced.
The 1860 law, the overthrow of the kingdom, and English-only schools contributed to the loss of Hawaiian language speakers. But preschool immersion programs are helping the language to survive. Native Hawaiians are called kanaka maoli.