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Mahina

Meaning

Mahina is a name used in Hawaiian and Māori meaning “moon.” In Hawaiian, mahina is the standard word for the moon and also refers to a lunar month. In Māori, mahina can likewise denote the moon or a month within the traditional lunar cycle, though marama is more commonly used in everyday speech. As a personal name, Mahina evokes light in darkness, natural rhythm, and the quiet glow associated with the moon.

History

In both Hawaiian and Māori naming traditions, many personal names are drawn directly from meaningful words connected to nature and cosmology. The moon played an essential role in navigation, planting cycles, fishing practices, and ceremonial timing across Polynesian cultures.

Because of this deep cultural association, Mahina functions as more than a simple nature name. It reflects cyclical renewal, guidance, and balance within the natural world. The name remains in use in Hawaiʻi and Aotearoa (New Zealand), valued for its lyrical sound and clear symbolic meaning.

Forms

Common spellings and forms used in different languages.

Related names

Similar names connected by origin, usage, gender, or category.

More names starting with M

FAQ

Quick answers about this name.

Is Mahina a boy or girl name?

Mahina is typically a girl’s name.

What does Mahina mean?

Mahina is a name used in Hawaiian and Māori meaning “moon.” In Hawaiian, mahina is the standard word for the moon and also refers to a lunar month. In Māori, mahina can likewise denote the moon or a month within the traditional lunar cycle, though marama is more commonly used in everyday speech. As a personal name, Mahina evokes light in darkness, natural rhythm, and the quiet glow associated with the moon.

Where does Mahina come from?

Mahina is commonly associated with Hawaiian, Maori.

What are the forms of Mahina?

Common forms and spellings include: Marama.

Where is Mahina used?

Mahina is used in naming traditions such as Hawaiian, Maori.

Part of Names Archive — a reference-style collection of name meanings and origins.