Nakana
The Hawaiian way to say the male given name Nathan is Nakana.
Nakana is used as a male given name.
Meaning: male given name (name)
Which one should you use?
While Nakana is the standard form, Napeka is a formal translation of the name Nathan.
Did you know?
- The lack of certain consonants in the Hawaiian alphabet, such as 't', is why the 't' in 'Nathan' is replaced by 'k' in the version Nakana.
- Traditional Hawaiian culture used oral traditions for naming, meaning the written forms like Nakana were only standardized after the arrival of missionaries.
- The spelling of Nakana follows the strict rules of the Hawaiian alphabet, which uses only twelve letters: five vowels and seven consonants.
Examples in context
- He ʻo Nakana.His name is Nathan.
- Ua ʻike ʻia ʻo Nakana i ka hale.Nathan was seen at the house.
- Eia ʻo Nakana.Here is Nathan.
Example conversation
Keanu and Leilani are looking for a friend at a party.
- KeanuAia ʻo Nakana ma kahi?Where is Nakana?
- LeilaniAia ʻo ia ma luna o ka lanai.He is up on the porch.
- KeanuMahalo, e Leilani.Thank you, Leilani.
- LeilaniʻOle loa, e Keanu.You're welcome, Keanu.
