136 Pleasing Polynesian Baby Names Parents Will Love

Embrace the ocean’s melody straight from the heart of the Pacific.

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Last Updated on Aug 2, 2024

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Polynesian baby names are known for their beauty and heritage. They come from Polynesian languages that are a part of the Austronesian language family. Polynesian languages include Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, Tahitian, and Tongan. These are spoken across the vast region of Polynesia, which includes more than 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. Also known as the Polynesian Triangle, these islands have given birth to languages that date back thousands of years. An interesting fact about Polynesian languages is that they are connected to the indigenous languages of Taiwan, Maritime Southeast Asia, Micronesia, and Madagascar.

As the people of Polynesia migrated over several centuries between 3000 and 1000 BC, these languages carry various linguistic traces. Polynesian baby names reflect these influences. For example, Etuate is a form of Edward or Kala is a form of Sarah. In addition to these, Polynesian names are inspired by nature, mythology, and virtues. As seafaring was one of the main occupations of the Polynesians, several names are associated with the ocean. Names such as Moana, Kailani, Heremoana, and Aukai are connected to their ancestors. Other names such as Teuila, Auliʻi, Siena, Q'orianka, Dwayne, Jason, Keanu, and Pua have become famous because of their association with celebrities. However, it is important to remember that while the different Polynesian languages show similar linguistic origins, they are categorized into cultures, mythologies, and legends.

In recent years, Polynesian names have started gaining recognition on a global scale. Hawaiian names are becoming popular in the US, while Maori names find more popularity in New Zealand. With parents looking for names with deeper meanings and cultural roots, Polynesian baby names are gaining their place at the forefront. They often have unique pronunciations and spellings that make them stand out. This list covers some of the most well-known and beloved Polynesian names from different languages and cultures. Take a look!

Name	Gender	Meaning
Kannon	Boy	Church official; Esteemed; Free; Cane; One who observes sounds
Myah	Girl	Water; Good mother; Illusion; Courage
Moana	Girl	Ocean; Vast expanse of water
Maui	Boy	Name of a demigod; Trickster god
Viliami	Boy	A form of William; Resolute protector
Atonio	Boy	Variant of Antony; Worthy of praise
Alesana	Girl	Defender or helper of the people; Powerful
Isileli	Boy	Strength
Salesi	Boy	Tongan form of Charles; Man
Manaia	Girl	Mythological figure of a man with the head of a bird and tail of a fish; To decorate or embellish

Oliana	Girl	Ancestor's descendant; Gracious; Heavenly light; Oleander
Siaosi	Boy	Farmer; A form of George
Sina	Boy	Mount Sinai; Treasure; God is gracious; Bear; New victory; White-haired
Ario	Unisex	Platinum; Noble-born
Semisi	Boy	Supplanter
Oriane	Girl	Gold; Flower; Rising sun; The golden one
Tiare	Girl	Flower
Anjelo	Boy	Tongan form of Angelo; Angel
Umi	Unisex	Sea; Ocean; Mother
Eko	Unisex	One; First; Single; Echo; Sound; Each of the two

Tavita	Girl	Beloved; Uncle
Tamatoa	Unisex	Child warrior
Tane	Boy	Man; God of forests and light; Famous thought or consideration; God is my Judge; Immortal;
Rosi	Girl	Rose; Famous type
Teuila	Girl	Flower of Samoa
Takina	Girl	To be carried away
Ofa	Unisex	Love; Affectionate
Chyla	Unisex	Strong; Independent
Moanna	Girl	Ocean; Vast expanse of water
Oli	Girl	Olive tree; Ancestor's descendant; Chant

Aleki	Girl	Helpful man; Defending man
Feleti	Boy	A state of peace
Lamee	Boy	One who is hidden; One who hides his true nature
Te	Boy	A sharp end
Aasal	Boy	Late afternoons or evenings
Aberto	Boy	Aberto is Tongan form of Albert and means noble
Abich	Boy	Noble; A noble man
Afah	Boy	Tongan word for hurricane
Aisi	Boy	Tongan word for ice
Alefosio	Boy	Tongan form of Alphonso; Eager for war

Alifeleti	Boy	Elf counsel
Alipate	Boy	Noble
Amanaki	Girl	Hope
Amipa	Girl	Amber stone
Anitelu	Boy	Tongan form of Andrew; Manly
Arshis	Boy	Blessings
Atamai	Boy	Knowing all; An intellectual man
Avoca	Girl	Sweet valley
Emeni	Girl	Tonga word for Amen
Eponi	Girl	Ebony; Black

Etuate	Boy	Rich guard
Falakiko	Boy	A form of Francis; Frenchman
Fokisi	Boy	Fox
Hahau	Girl	Dew
Heneli	Boy	Tongan form of Henry; Home ruler
Huelo	Girl	Ray of light
Huhulu	Girl	The one who glows
Ilisapesi	Girl	The blessed one
Kahoa	Girl	Necklace
Kailao	Boy	War dance

Kainga	Boy	Relative in Tongan language
Kaivai	Boy	Mariner.
Kakaea	Boy	Tall
Kalauni	Girl	Crown
Kapo	Boy	He who is self taught
Kaukau	Boy	A Tongan term meaning surfer
Kelemete	Boy	A variation of Clement; Gentle
Kiupita	Girl	Cupid or love angel
Koloa	Boy	Wealth; A wealthy man
Komaki	Boy	Bay

Konelio	Boy	Horn; A form of Cornelius
Laaka	Girl	Carefree; Jark bird
Laione	Boy	Lion
Lakepi	Boy	A rugby player
Lamani	Boy	Lemon
Langi	Girl	Heaven
Lautoka	Girl	Plains
Laveni	Girl	Lavender shrub
Lavenita	Girl	The lavender scent
Lekeleka	Girl	Of the moon

Liliko	Girl	Bird
Longo	Girl	Quiet
Susitino	Boy	Susitino is a form of Justin; Just or righteous
Lopini	Girl	The robin bird
Lose	Girl	Rose
Lotu	Girl	One who is admired
Kelekolio	Boy	A form of Gregory; Watchful; Alert
Lovai	Girl	She who is loved; Heavy rains
Maau	Boy	Poet
Mafu	Boy	Heart

Malohi	Boy	Strength; A strong man
Mamani	Boy	Earth
Melino	Girl	Peace
Musika	Girl	Tongan word for music
Oketa	Girl	Tongan word for orchid
Onike	Girl	The onyx gem
Opeli	Girl	Opal gem
Paame	Girl	The palm tree
Panisi	Girl	The pansy flower
Papahi	Girl	She who is mischievously smart

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Polynesian baby names are taken from different languages including Hawaiian, Samoan, Fijian, Maori, and Tahitian. Each of these names reflects the culture and traditions. Though these names can be traced back to several centuries, they are gaining popularity in recent years due to active globalization and social media. As linguistic barriers fall, these choices are being adopted by parents from all over the world. Their unique spellings and pronunciations also make Polynesian baby names stand out. In recent years, indigenous Polynesian baby names have been absorbed into mainstream names and are gaining popularity worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Polynesian baby names be combined or shortened?

In many Polynesian cultures, new names are created by combining parts of existing names or shortening longer names. For example, the Tahitian name Tamatoa combines 'tama' (child) and 'toa' (warrior). The Hawaiian name Kekoa, meaning 'the brave one or warrior,' might be shortened to Koa.

2. Can Polynesian names be used as middle names?

Polynesian names may be used as middle names if preferred. People of Polynesian descent living in other countries or those wanting to honor their Polynesian heritage may practice this. For example, someone might have a Western first name followed by a Polynesian middle name, like Sarah Toa Johnson, where Toa means 'warrior.'

3. Is it common to give multiple Polynesian names?

It is common to give multiple Polynesian names, though practices vary by island and archipelago. In Hawaiian or Tongan culture, a child might receive a lengthy, formal name composed of several meaningful elements.

Infographic: Polynesian Baby Names Associated With Celebrities

Polynesian baby names have ancient origins and have been typically used among the diverse communities of Polynesia. However, many of these names have become popular as mainstream names with globalization. While some may have unique meanings and spellings, many are English names made popular by celebrities. Look at the infographic below to see some of the most popular Polynesian baby names associated with celebrities.

8 polynesian baby names popularized by celebrities (infographic)

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.