Hawaiian Names--English Names (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Today most people choose a name because "it sounds nice". In ancient Hawaii, and indeed in most traditional societies a name involved more than its sound. A name (inoa) was a possession, an influence for good or evil and perhaps a part of a societies history. Ones inoa was a precious personal possession and also a force in its own right. Although a person possessed his or her name, he or she was also possessed by the name. Once spoken, the inoa assumed a mystical existence and the power to help or harm the bearer. And, so went the belief, the more a name was spoken, the more powerful it came, and the more powerful the influence - good or evil.

About the Author

Eileen M. Root is a librarian and lives in Kane'ohe with her husband, Umi'umi'puhuluhulu (bushy beard) also known as Barry and an overweight Maine Coon cat Põpilikia, also known as trouble. About this book she says: I became interested in the subject of Hawaiian names because the question "Do you have a book about Hawaiian names?" is asked repeatedly at the public library. A little research revealed that was available consisted mostly of lists of Hawaiinized-English names. These names seemed an insult to the Hawaiian language and at times were even an insult to the person who had 'Hawaiinized' his or her English na

Product Details

• Paperback: 162 pages
• Publisher: Booklines Hawaii Ltd (December 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0916630625
• ISBN-13: 978-0916630621
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #615,253 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the book for Hawn names, anything from Kids to Pets!, July 27, 1999

By A Customer

I live on the Island of o'ahu and I found this book to be very helpful. I use this book to help name all five of my children. You can find all kinds of names in this book, from names for people to names for your pets and even names for boats. There is even a section to translate your english name into Hawaiian. This book is well worth the money!!!! To: Eileen M. Root A JOB WELL DONE!!!!!!!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for finding out the real truth about "Hawaiian names", March 26, 2003

By	Jennifer Rutherford (Davis, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I first found this book years ago (sadly, I need another copy!) when I was visiting Hawaii and was well, rather shocked to find out that my Hawaiian name, Kinipela, translated into "a mound of decomposing flesh!" I like how the author does her best to correct things like this and find names based on their meanings and what words may correspond to that in Hawaiian. Definitely a book to read before you get into "Hawaiian names!"

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written, researched and laid out, January 19, 2001

By	Kurt K. Gilman (La Mesa, CA USA) - See all my reviews

I found this book to be exceptional not only for its namelists but also in selecting the appropriate intonation for the prospective name, something that not too many books can lend aid in a clear and concise manner. I am Hawaiian (although many years removed from the island and culture) and found the explanations thought provoking and meaningful. The author is to be commended on her excellent interpretation not only of the names but in her understanding of the aloha spirit which she conveys so well.