120 Precious Tongan Baby Names From The South Pacific

Presenting a diverse catalog of intriguing names from ancient Tongan heritage.

Written by Angela Alex, MA Specialty: Baby NamesExperience: 2 years

Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

Read full bio of Angela Alex

Edited by Srija Chanda Burman, MA, PG Dip. Specialty: Relationships, Baby NamesExperience: 3 years

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG Diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in editing ranges across niches, including academics, human psychology, and child development.

Read full bio of Srija Chanda Burman

Fact-checked by Ratika Pai, M.Com Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 6 years

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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Last Updated on Nov 12, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

There are plenty of good reasons to give a Tongan name to your little one. Choosing a name is a significant decision, and choosing Tongan baby names adds a touch of cultural richness to the process. Embracing your Tongan heritage by naming your child after a grandparent or a cousin can infuse your child's identity with depth and significance. Tongan names offer a distinctive choice if you're seeking a name that breaks away from the common trends and stands out in today's world.

Exploring Tongan names reveal an interesting naming tradition influenced by Tonga's Polynesian background. Tonga, a country with 169 islands, has a special method of naming that reflects its culture (1). The main idea of this naming tradition is to differentiate between girls' and boys' names. Girls usually get names from female family members, which helps establish lineage. Similarly, boys are named after male family members, which keeps their heritage and connections strong.

Tongan culture values being close as a community, respecting older people, and staying connected with family. This togetherness is not only reflected in their naming traditions but also shows up in finer art and crafts, like making tapa cloth and intricate wood carvings. These skills have been handed down through many generations and are impressive. Just like how names connect different generations, these awesome art skills connect today with the important history of the past.

Tongan names can be inspired by nature or circumstances surrounding the growth. Since most of the Tongan population is Mormon and Catholic, religion also plays a key role in naming children. These names carry a spiritual essence and help people feel a strong sense of who they are.

These names hold a special quality that mirrors the Kingdom's beautiful scenery, best known for its encircling blue-green waves and rich cultural history. To help you in your quest for the ideal name, we've put together a long list of Tongan names for both boys and girls. Each name carries a part of Tonga's heritage and spirit.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Viliami	Boy	A form of William; Resolute protector
Atonio	Boy	Variant of Antony; Worthy of praise
Isileli	Boy	Strength
Salesi	Boy	Tongan form of Charles; Man
Siaosi	Boy	Farmer; A form of George
Semisi	Boy	Supplanter
Eloni	Unisex	High mountain; Exalted
Haiti	Unisex	Land of high mountains; Nobility
Alisi	Girl	Of the noble kind
Anjelo	Boy	Tongan form of Angelo; Angel

Takina	Girl	To be carried away
Sifa	Unisex	He will add; Praise
Ailine	Girl	Peace; Bright one; Shining one; Torch; Moon; Corposant
Seini	Girl	Yahweh is gracious; Yahweh is merciful
Ilisa	Girl	My God is an oath
Mele	Boy	Song; Wished for child; Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness
Levenez	Boy	Like a Raven
Silika	Girl	She who is as soft as a silk
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
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
Safaia	Girl	The sapphire stone; The color blue

Salato	Girl	Tree
Seletute	Boy	Strong spear
Siete	Girl	Jjet stone; The color black
Sikota	Girl	The kingfisher bird
Sikueli	Girl	Squirrel
Silafi	Girl	Giraffe
Sinitalela	Girl	Little one from the ashes
Tafotila	Girl	The daffodil flower
Taimani	Girl	Diamonds
Takaniko	Girl	Halo; One who is angelic

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Tongan baby names uniquely blend tradition, family connection, and cultural richness. By choosing a Tongan name for your child, you're embracing a distinct naming tradition, honoring your heritage, and carrying forward a legacy of Mother Nature’s beauty and artistic significance. These names hold a special place in Tonga's history and culture, making them a meaningful choice for any family.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any laws or regulations regarding Tongan baby names?

Tongan names usually follow the order of first names and then followed by surnames. Tongan surnames are patronymic and can indicate the region to which a person belongs. Certain names are reserved only for the royal family, and if a hereditary title is given, they will be referred to using that title. Unless certain crimes are committed, these titles are meant to be used for life (2).

2. How do Tongan parents choose a baby name for their child?

Tongan parents may choose a name for their little one based on any Biblical personalities or it can be a reference to nature, such as flowers. It can also be derived from their ancestors, monumental events, friends, or even prominent figures.

3. What are some unisex Tongan baby names?

There are several gender-neutral Tongan names. They include Atamahina meaning ‘rising of the moon,’ Fahina meaning ‘white hala fruit,’ or ‘white complexion,’ Fetuu meaning ‘star,’ Fieiloeua meaning ‘twilight light,’ or ‘dawn light,’ Koloa meaning ‘wealth,’ and Vaea meaning ‘king,’ ‘prince,’ or ‘chief.’

Infographic: Lovely Tongan Baby Names

Tongan baby names hold special meanings rooted in Tonga's culture. From strong qualities, such as strength and royalty, to deep traits, such as spirituality, these names have a lot to offer. Our infographic guides you through these meaningful names, helping you pick the perfect one for your baby. Explore now and make a thoughtful choice for your little bundle of joy.

beautiful tongan names to consider for your baby (infographic)

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.

Tongan.
http://wincart.fullerton.edu/Communities/Tongan.htm
Tongan Culture.
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/tongan-culture/tongan-culture-naming

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.