65 Beautiful Polynesian Boy Names From The Pacific Islands
Pearls originating from the Oceanic Triangle.
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.
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Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
| Boy | Name of a demigod; Trickster god | |
| Boy | A form of William; Resolute protector | |
| Boy | Variant of Antony; Worthy of praise | |
| Girl | Defender or helper of the people; Powerful | |
| Boy | Strength | |
| Boy | Tongan form of Charles; Man | |
| Boy | Farmer; A form of George | |
| Boy | Supplanter | |
| Boy | Tongan form of Angelo; Angel | |
| Unisex | Child warrior | |
| Boy | Man; God of forests and light; Famous thought or consideration; God is my Judge; Immortal; | |
| Girl | Helpful man; Defending man | |
| Boy | A state of peace | |
| Boy | One who is hidden; One who hides his true nature | |
| Boy | A sharp end | |
| Boy | Late afternoons or evenings | |
| Boy | Aberto is Tongan form of Albert and means noble | |
| Boy | Noble; A noble man | |
| Boy | Tongan word for hurricane | |
| Boy | Tongan word for ice | |
| Boy | Tongan form of Alphonso; Eager for war | |
| Boy | Elf counsel | |
| Boy | Noble | |
| Boy | Tongan form of Andrew; Manly | |
| Boy | Blessings | |
| Boy | Knowing all; An intellectual man | |
| Boy | Rich guard | |
| Boy | A form of Francis; Frenchman | |
| Boy | Fox | |
| Boy | Tongan form of Henry; Home ruler | |
| Boy | War dance | |
| Boy | Relative in Tongan language | |
| Boy | Mariner. | |
| Boy | Tall | |
| Boy | He who is self taught | |
| Boy | A Tongan term meaning surfer | |
| Boy | A variation of Clement; Gentle | |
| Boy | Wealth; A wealthy man | |
| Boy | Bay | |
| Boy | Horn; A form of Cornelius | |
| Boy | Lion | |
| Boy | A rugby player | |
| Boy | Lemon | |
| Boy | Susitino is a form of Justin; Just or righteous | |
| Boy | A form of Gregory; Watchful; Alert | |
| Boy | Poet | |
| Boy | Heart | |
| Boy | Strength; A strong man | |
| Boy | Earth | |
| Boy | A form of Basil; Royal or kingly | |
| Boy | A variant of Bernard; One who is brave, hardy, and strong | |
| Boy | Tongan form of Benedict; Blessed | |
| Boy | Tongan form of Bonaventure; Lucky | |
| Boy | Tongan form of Bartholomew; Son of Talmai | |
| Boy | Strong spear | |
| Boy | A form of Ignatius; Fiery one | |
| Boy | Tamiano is a form of Greek name Damian; To tame | |
| Boy | Beloved | |
| Boy | A helper; One who always helps others | |
| Boy | A form of Dominic; Of the Lord | |
| Boy | Bright | |
| Boy | Promise | |
| Boy | Lightning | |
| Boy | An open sea | |
| 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.
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
- 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.
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