65 Beautiful Polynesian Boy Names From The Pacific Islands

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.

On This Page

Browse Baby Names By Gender

Browse Baby Names By Alphabet

NameGenderMeaning
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Maui
Baby Boy Sign Boy Name of a demigod; Trickster god
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Viliami
Baby Boy Sign Boy A form of William; Resolute protector
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Atonio
Baby Boy Sign Boy Variant of Antony; Worthy of praise
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Alesana
Baby Girl Sign Girl Defender or helper of the people; Powerful
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Isileli
Baby Boy Sign Boy Strength
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Salesi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Charles; Man
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Siaosi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Farmer; A form of George
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Semisi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Supplanter
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Anjelo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Angelo; Angel
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Tamatoa
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Child warrior
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Tane
Baby Boy Sign Boy Man; God of forests and light; Famous thought or consideration; God is my Judge; Immortal;
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Aleki
Baby Girl Sign Girl Helpful man; Defending man
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Feleti
Baby Boy Sign Boy A state of peace
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Lamee
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is hidden; One who hides his true nature
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Te
Baby Boy Sign Boy A sharp end
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Aasal
Baby Boy Sign Boy Late afternoons or evenings
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Aberto
Baby Boy Sign Boy Aberto is Tongan form of Albert and means noble
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Abich
Baby Boy Sign Boy Noble; A noble man
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Afah
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan word for hurricane
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Aisi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan word for ice
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Alefosio
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Alphonso; Eager for war
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Alifeleti
Baby Boy Sign Boy Elf counsel
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Alipate
Baby Boy Sign Boy Noble
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Anitelu
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Andrew; Manly
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Arshis
Baby Boy Sign Boy Blessings
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Atamai
Baby Boy Sign Boy Knowing all; An intellectual man
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Etuate
Baby Boy Sign Boy Rich guard
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Falakiko
Baby Boy Sign Boy A form of Francis; Frenchman
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Fokisi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Fox
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Heneli
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Henry; Home ruler
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Kailao
Baby Boy Sign Boy War dance
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Kainga
Baby Boy Sign Boy Relative in Tongan language
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Kaivai
Baby Boy Sign Boy Mariner.
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Kakaea
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tall
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Kapo
Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is self taught
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Kaukau
Baby Boy Sign Boy A Tongan term meaning surfer
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Kelemete
Baby Boy Sign Boy A variation of Clement; Gentle
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Koloa
Baby Boy Sign Boy Wealth; A wealthy man
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Komaki
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bay
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Konelio
Baby Boy Sign Boy Horn; A form of Cornelius
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Laione
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lion
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Lakepi
Baby Boy Sign Boy A rugby player
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Lamani
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lemon
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Susitino
Baby Boy Sign Boy Susitino is a form of Justin; Just or righteous
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Kelekolio
Baby Boy Sign Boy A form of Gregory; Watchful; Alert
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Maau
Baby Boy Sign Boy Poet
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Mafu
Baby Boy Sign Boy Heart
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Malohi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Strength; A strong man
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Mamani
Baby Boy Sign Boy Earth
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Pasilio
Baby Boy Sign Boy A form of Basil; Royal or kingly
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Pelenato
Baby Boy Sign Boy A variant of Bernard; One who is brave, hardy, and strong
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Penetiketo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Benedict; Blessed
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Ponavenitula
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Bonaventure; Lucky
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Ptolomeo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Bartholomew; Son of Talmai
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Seletute
Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong spear
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Ikenasio
Baby Boy Sign Boy A form of Ignatius; Fiery one
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Tamiano
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tamiano is a form of Greek name Damian; To tame
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Tavite
Baby Boy Sign Boy Beloved
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Tokoni
Baby Boy Sign Boy A helper; One who always helps others
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Tominiko
Baby Boy Sign Boy A form of Dominic; Of the Lord
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Torht
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bright
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Tukupa
Baby Boy Sign Boy Promise
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Uhila
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lightning
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Vaha
Baby Boy Sign Boy An open sea
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Vaitafe
Baby Boy Sign 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.

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.

polynesian boy names (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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.

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

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Kavita has a diverse background in finance, human resources, and teaching. She did her MBA in Finance and HR at Solapur University, and bachelor in Education at Pune University. After working for three years in the banking industry, Kavita took up teaching before moving to writing.

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Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

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