January 2024 Popular Polynesian Names for Your Baby and their Meaning
– Polynesian Names –
Choosing a Name for a child is often an important step especially in some Polynesian Names, a choice that needs to be thoroughly thought about. In French, beyond matters of esthetic and the need to respect ancestors, there is also the profound dimension of the sense of names.
In traditional civilization, the first name chosen was a clear symbol of the personality and social status of the child who wore it, perhaps more than in most other countries.
Teva, Vahine, Manea, Vehi, Tamatoa, Arii, Mihimana, Ranita, Teva, Vahine, Manea, Vehi, Tamatoa, Arii, Mihimana These Tahitian names, each more beautiful than the last, have deep meaning.
They symbolize or reflect nature, personality characteristics, ideals, beliefs, and legends, among other things.
When it comes to Polynesian names, the concept of transmission is at the heart of all they say.
Polynesian Names Nowadays
Polynesian names change over time, between traditions and modern representations, since they are the product of limitless connections.
Some are quite short, while others are very long.
Most happy travelers who learn to perfect their nuanced and interesting pronunciation during their stay find it difficult to pronounce.
Families of other nationalities living in French Polynesia are increasingly choosing a local name for their children.
This choice among families from France and other countries reflects Polynesian culture’s vitality and influence.
The popularity of these names also spreads beyond Tahiti and its islands.
Travelers who fell in love with the Fenua (land, country) sometimes decide to give their child a Polynesian name after they return home.
Either as a tribute to a destination that moved them or simply because they are responsive to the beauty of the local language.
A wealth to discover absolutely that we find in these Polynesian names whose sounds, unique and attractive, are an invitation to travel.
Full of poetry, these names are a beautiful tribute to the culture of our sunny islands.
1. Teuila:
Teuila, pronounced as ‘tay Wee Lah’, is one of the prettiest Samoan names. It’s Samoan for beautiful, red ginger flower. It’s also the name of the biggest cultural festival in Upolu.
2. Samoa:
The name Samoa is derived directly from the beautiful South Pacific Islands. You could also try Sinasamoa, which means ‘white sands of Samoa’. It could be quite an appeal with beach loving parents.
3. Tausa’afia:
The name may be slightly challenging to pronounce, but we think it could be considered as it means ‘pleasant and lovable personality and ‘someone who is well-mannered and kind’.
The name also sounds slightly familiar with Sophia, making it feel somewhat familiar.
4. Sefina:
Sefina is one of the most rhythmic Samoan names we have come across. It is short for the name Iosefina. You can keep Iosefina as the given name and Sefina as the nickname.
5. Samaria:
Don’t you think this name sounds pretty? This Christian name was made famous by the lovely song by Vaniah Toloa. It’s a Samoan word from ‘Samaritan’. When you break down the word, you get Maria, which means ‘sacred.’
6. Talia:
Talia comes from the Samoan word ‘fa’atali’ and means ‘to wait’.
The word is often used as a reference to waiting or being in anticipation for something big, which is ‘Second Coming of the Lord’.
This name will remind your child to be deeply rooted in the Christian faith.
7. La’ei:
The Samoan term La’ei, pronounced as ‘Lahey refers to the love of clothing. So if you are not scared of predisposing your darling girl for the love of fashion, this moniker is just for you.
8. Natia:
The name Natia is derived from a longer Samoan surname. In itself, Natia means hidden in the Samoan language.
9. Lanuola:
Lanuola is a small part of a long Samoan surname. The literal translation of this name is ‘living color’, with lanu meaning ‘color’ and ola meaning ‘life’.
You can also opt for Lanu’ese’ese, a longer variation of this name.
10. Elei:
Elie is a traditional art of decorating fabric in the Samoan cultures.
It involves carving patterns on wooden blocks, inking them, and then pressing them onto the fabric.
We think Elie would make a nice alternative to the popular Hawaiian name Leilani.
11. Tamah:
Tamah is a Hebrew name heard widely in Samoa. Meaning ‘innocent and honest,’ Tamah sounds extremely gentle and appealing. For the nickname, you can keep Tammy or Timmi.
12. Masina:
The name Masina is popular with both girls and boys, but we’d say that it sounds more girly to the ears. The meaning of Masina is ‘moon’.
Samoan people relate this name to the popular song Moe i le po Masina (sleeping on a moonlit night).
13. Tama:
Tama is the variation of the name Tamah or Tamar. Tama Janowitz, the American novelist, is a famous bearer of this name.
It comes from the Hebrew name Tamara, which means ‘date palm tree.’ The final ‘a’ in this name gives it a sensual Slavic tone.
14. Arihi:
Archi is a lovely rhythmic name, meaning ‘kind and noble.’ People with this name are supposed to be compassionate, caring, and dignified.
15. Rongomaiwhenua:
This is one of the fanciest Samoan baby names. It means ‘earth mother.’ You have plenty of nickname options for this one like Ronal, Ron, Rona, and Rongo.
16. Solosolo:
This one is a unique baby name in our opinion. The meaning of this four-syllable name is ‘dry’.
17. Lalago:
This would make a nice alternative to Lolita for them. Lalago means ‘chief’s pillow or the prophet’s staff.’ For the nickname, you can go with Lai or Lola.
18. Emere:
Not the most pleasant meaning (rival), but the name definitely sounds beautiful. You can use Emere as a short form for Emelia, Emeline, or Emily.
19. Fetuilelagi:
Non-Samoans would find it hard to spell and pronounce this name. Fetuilelagi is the Samoan word for ‘star in the sky and it’s one of the traditional names of the island.
For the nickname, you can go with the short and straightforward Fetu or Fetuao.
20. Asoese:
Asoese is a lovely Samoan name, meaning ‘different day.’
21. Penina:
Penina is a Hebrew name meaning ‘pearl’ in the Samoan language. It has two popular namesakes, Penina Muhando, Tanzanian playwright and Penina Moise, American poet. It sounds a lot more unique and unusual than Pearl.
22. Lulu:
The name Lulu brings to mind a girl with a firecracker personality. It was in the top 100 baby name list in the Social Security List in the year 1980.
It’s the name of Paul Simon and Edie Brickell daughters too. The meaning of Lulu is ‘pearl’.
23. Wiki:
No, we are not referring to Wikipedia here. Wiki is a Samoan baby girl name, meaning ‘victorious’. This chic and powerful name is moderately popular in Samoa. It has been in the top 1000 baby names for over 15 years.
24. Salamasina:
Salamasina is an attractive baby name, meaning ‘savior.’ The name was stuck in the attic for quite some time now even after being hugely popular in the 90s.
But Salamasina is just about ready for a comeback.
Pupular Baby Names for Boys
Below are some Polynesian Names for boys that are popular and generally accepted.
1. Iosefa:
Iosefa is the Samoan version of the biblical favorite Joseph. Its variation, Sefa, is used as a nickname. You rarely get to hear a variation of Joseph without a J, and that’s what makes Iosefa more popular than original.
2. Manaia:
The name has a simple meaning of good. But in the Samoan culture, Manaia is used to refer to the son of the high chief, when he performs taualga, the graceful solo dance to honor his family and village.
You can shorten the name to Mana, which means ‘spiritual power’.
3. Fetu:
Fetu is one of the most powerful Samoan baby names for boys. Also considered the short form of the name Fetuilelagi, which means ‘God of the night.’ And of course, we love names that end with ‘u’. They sound very different from other vowel-ending names.
4. Lagi:
If the divine is what you want your son’s name to be, choose Lagi, which means ‘heaven’. Lagi ranks #31, 000 in the United States. And we even predict it will soon be on an international role.
5. Loto:
Children are no less than a part of the hearts of parents. So why not name them Loto, which means ‘heart’? Loto is enjoying mass popularity in several American and Pacific states.
You can also use this name as a short form for Lotario or Lothair!
6. Manuia:
For parents looking for happy and cheerful names, go with Manuia, meaning ‘happy.’ Manuia was one of the top 100 names in Samoa for over a decade, the highest being #109 in the year 2001.
7. Puleleiite:
Puleleiite is ideal for parents looking for grand and elaborate names. The meaning of Puleleiite is ‘ruler who can tell the future.
Puleleiite isn’t trendy per se but sounds energetic, stylish, and, good-natured. And you’ll have a soothsayer in your family too!
8. Rangi:
Rangi is a beautiful-sounding Samoan name, meaning ‘heaven or the sky.’ This name is enjoying widespread popularity in Australia at the moment. We think it would work great on someone with a long surname.
9. Tamati:
For parents expecting twins, Tamati would be an ideal pick as it means ‘twin.’ Tamati is a rural sounding name that is beginning to be reevaluated.
You can use Tam for one child and Tamati for the other.
10. Ne’igalomeatiga:
Ne’igalomeatiga is a quintessential Samoan name. But we doubt many people would go with this name as it has a sad meaning. Ne’igalomeatiga means ‘unforgettable pain’.
11. Sione:
Sione is the Samoan variant of the name John and means ‘God is gracious.’ The name has skyrocketed in popularity since the mid-80s and is currently at #130.
12. Afu:
Afu is a Polynesian name used widely in Samoa, probably because of the Polynesian community residing there. Its similarity to Afi, another famous Polynesian name can be attributed to its popularity. The meaning of Afu is ‘hot’.
13. Ainalani:
Ainalani is a cool new Samoan name meaning ‘heavenly land’. It comes from the elements aina, which means ‘land’ and lani, which means ‘sky or heaven’.
14. Akeakamai:
Akeakamai is a traditional Samoan name, meaning ‘yearning for wisdom.’ This cool-sounding name reflects the magnificence of the Samoan culture. It also made the top 1000 Polynesian Names twice.
15. Hawea:
Hawea is an excellent, soft-sounding Samoan baby name. It is probably the name of the mythical drum brought from Tahiti. It would make a perfect pick for mythology-loving parents.
16. Henare:
Most of you must have guessed by now that Henare is the Samoan form of the name Henry. It does have a mid-century stamp, but that doesn’t mean people are not using it.
Henare was not even in the top 1000 before but now sits pretty within 500.
17. Aleki:
The Samoan name Aleki is popular not just in Samoa, but also in English-speaking countries, including New Zealand. It is also very popular amongst Polynesian Names
This name is fantastic, especially because it took more than a few decades hiatus for appearing in the top 1000 names.
18. Aputi:
This rhythmic Samoan name means ‘kind,’ which we’re sure your child will be to everyone. This stately name has been in and out of fashion since the turn of the last century. Currently, it’s off the top 100 list.
19. Enele:
Enele is a name with loads of energy and spirit. Pronounced as En-e-le, it is a Samoan name for boys, meaning ‘wisdom.’ Enele Sosene Sopoaga, the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, is the famous bearer of this name.
20. Laki:
This is quite straightforward. Laki means ‘lucky’ in the Samoan language. This short and sweet name stands pretty strong on its own. it is also very popular amongst Polynesian Names
It was briefly popular in the 80s but could be due for rediscovery.
We believe you found this article really fun to read. Do you know of other names? Feel free to comment on the comment session and also don’t forget to invite your friends and family to like the page and check daily for more amazing content.
CSN Team.
