65 Beautiful Polynesian Boy Names From The Pacific Islands

Pearls originating from the Oceanic Triangle.

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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

If you were fascinated by the Polynesian culture portrayed in the movie Moana, then these Polynesian boy names are sure to capture your interest. Polynesia, part of Oceania, comprises over 1,000 islands spread over the central and southern Pacific Ocean (1). The Polynesians are the native people of Polynesia who share similarities in language, cultural traditions, and ancient beliefs. Polynesian names are derived from the languages spoken in regions of Tahitian, Hawaiian, Maori (New Zealand), Samoan, Tongan, and others.

Popular baby names in this region often come from nature and Polynesian gods. Some names also show the influence of English and European colonialism and other outside cultures. Polynesians have traditionally used single, descriptive names that changed based on life events. After the arrival of the Europeans, many people adopted family surnames. For example, Mamaku's son Awhio, could be named Awhio Mamaku, while a long name, such as Keliikulahala, could be abbreviated to Keli. Many names, especially Tahitian ones, such as Te Maunganui, begin with Te.

While Polynesian names may be uncommon in the United States, they hold a unique appeal for parents seeking distinctive and culturally significant baby names.

Name	Gender	Meaning
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
Siaosi	Boy	Farmer; A form of George
Semisi	Boy	Supplanter
Anjelo	Boy	Tongan form of Angelo; Angel
Tamatoa	Unisex	Child warrior

Tane	Boy	Man; God of forests and light; Famous thought or consideration; God is my Judge; Immortal;
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
Anitelu	Boy	Tongan form of Andrew; Manly
Arshis	Boy	Blessings
Atamai	Boy	Knowing all; An intellectual man
Etuate	Boy	Rich guard
Falakiko	Boy	A form of Francis; Frenchman
Fokisi	Boy	Fox
Heneli	Boy	Tongan form of Henry; Home ruler

Kailao	Boy	War dance
Kainga	Boy	Relative in Tongan language
Kaivai	Boy	Mariner.
Kakaea	Boy	Tall
Kapo	Boy	He who is self taught
Kaukau	Boy	A Tongan term meaning surfer
Kelemete	Boy	A variation of Clement; Gentle
Koloa	Boy	Wealth; A wealthy man
Komaki	Boy	Bay
Konelio	Boy	Horn; A form of Cornelius

Laione	Boy	Lion
Lakepi	Boy	A rugby player
Lamani	Boy	Lemon
Susitino	Boy	Susitino is a form of Justin; Just or righteous
Kelekolio	Boy	A form of Gregory; Watchful; Alert
Maau	Boy	Poet
Mafu	Boy	Heart
Malohi	Boy	Strength; A strong man
Mamani	Boy	Earth
Pasilio	Boy	A form of Basil; Royal or kingly

Pelenato	Boy	A variant of Bernard; One who is brave, hardy, and strong
Penetiketo	Boy	Tongan form of Benedict; Blessed
Ponavenitula	Boy	Tongan form of Bonaventure; Lucky
Ptolomeo	Boy	Tongan form of Bartholomew; Son of Talmai
Seletute	Boy	Strong spear
Ikenasio	Boy	A form of Ignatius; Fiery one
Tamiano	Boy	Tamiano is a form of Greek name Damian; To tame
Tavite	Boy	Beloved
Tokoni	Boy	A helper; One who always helps others
Tominiko	Boy	A form of Dominic; Of the Lord

Torht	Boy	Bright
Tukupa	Boy	Promise
Uhila	Boy	Lightning
Vaha	Boy	An open sea
Vaitafe	Boy	Stream

Hailing from islands scattered across the vast Pacific Ocean, Polynesian cultures have developed unique naming traditions. These names are traditionally given with great care and consideration. They often honor ancestors, commemorate significant events, or represent the hopes and aspirations of their parents. These Polynesian boy names may bring about feelings of pride, identity, and a strong appreciation for nature. Whether you choose the bold and brave or calm and peaceful, there's a Polynesian name out there that will perfectly suit your little one.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Kai a Polynesian boy's name?

Kai is a name that, while rooted in Polynesian culture, is not limited to it. It is also widely used in various Western European and English-speaking countries. It is also used as a given name in China. Kai is a name that is often used for both boys and girls.

2. What are some Polynesian boy's names that mean 'ocean'?

Some Polynesian boy names that mean 'ocean' are Moana and Heremoana. Moana is a gender-neutral name used in Maori, Hawaiian, Tahitian, Samoan, Tongan, and Haitian cultures, while Heremoana, meaning 'dear or beloved ocean,' is an exclusively Tahitian masculine name.

3. What are some Polynesian boy’s names that mean 'warrior'?

Koa, Kekoa, and Tamatoa are a few Polynesian names associated with the meaning of ‘warrior.’ Koa is a Hawaiian name that means 'warrior' or 'koa tree.' Kekoa combines the Hawaiian words ‘ke,’ meaning 'the,' and koa, meaning 'warrior' or 'koa tree,' to mean 'the warrior.' Tamatoa comes from Tahitian, with the term ‘tama’ meaning 'child' and ‘toa’ meaning 'warrior.'

4. What are some Polynesian boy’s names that mean 'sky'?

Some Polynesian boy names that mean 'sky' are Lani and Rangi. Lani means 'sky, heaven, majesty, royal' in Hawaiian, while Rangi means 'sky' in Maori.

5. What are some Polynesian boy names inspired by famous personalities?

Famous personalities don't typically inspire famous personalities in the same way Western names might. Instead, they often reflect natural elements, qualities, or family history. However, some names like Kamehameha, after the Hawaiian king, or Pomare, the unifier and first king of Tahiti, have historical significance. In contemporary times, names inspired by Uli Latukefu, an Australian actor of Tongan descent, and Temuera Morrison, a New Zealand actor of Māori descent, reflect modern influences.

Infographic: Popular Polynesian Boy Names

Parents love Polynesian boy names because they often reference the natural world, incorporating elements like the ocean or island landscapes into their meanings. The rising popularity of these names also reflects a growing appreciation for diversity. Check out the infographic below to explore unique Polynesian names for your son.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Polynesian Navigation & Settlement of the Pacific.
https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1586/polynesian-navigation--settlement-of-the-pacific/

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.