73 Chamorro Baby Names From Guam

Give your child a name that expresses the strength and charm of Chamorro culture.

Written by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd

Edited by Aneesha Amonz, MSc

Fact-checked by Angela Alex, MA

Last Updated on Nov 12, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Chamorro baby names could be worth exploring if you're looking for unique names with intriguing historical and cultural backgrounds. Also,you might be surprised to learn that many well-known names you're familiar with have their origins in Chamorro culture. Chamorro is an Austronesian language spoken by the indigenous people of Mariana Island, which is divided between the US Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Micronesia and the US territory of Guam. When you examine the names of Chamorro people, you'll notice that they have a Spanish first name and a Chamorro second name. And on a closer look, you'll find that almost every person has a unique second name. This lack of duplication implies that Chamorros do not draw names from a collection of name words. But instead, pick and make names from the lexicon of daily language.

Also, most of the names or words are not associated with any particular gender as it is in European countries. Since the names are derived from everyday words, parents use them to convey any message they like. The names even describe the occasion or situation during which the child was born, like Fetangis, a gender-neutral name often used to refer to someone who cries a lot. While most Chamorro names have positive meanings, some even express hardship, striving, despair, and deprivation. For instance, Mapappa, meaning someone who has been detached and removed, is a charming boy name with a negative connotation.

Some names even revolve around basic needs, such as the desire for food. Another thing to note is that Chamorro people do not typically have surnames or family names. The given name is the official baptismal name, and the Chamorro name is used daily. The below post has compiled a list of authentic Chamorro names for your assistance. Take a look and pick your favorite one for your little bundle of joy.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Langith	Boy	Sky; Heaven; Paradise; Firmament; A variant of name Langit
Alula	Unisex	Hasten; Firstborn; Wing
Atisa	Girl	Something which increases or is brighter
Haani	Boy	Daytime
Actassi	Boy	Share the sea
Agana	Girl	Chamorro word for blood
Amista	Girl	Fidelity; Loyalty
Attau	Girl	She who hides herself
Bendision	Boy	He who is blessed
Buyugo	Boy	Flatterer

Cadassi	Boy	Associated with the sea
Camarin	Girl	Shelterer or the protector
Chamiyu	Boy	Not enough of you
Chammangro	Boy	Not enough wind
Chamorra	Girl	A woman of the Chamoru people.
Charfaulus	Boy	Something that isn't very smooth
Charguiya	Boy	Not enough of him
Chataga	Boy	Not enough chopping
Chatguemangro	Boy	He doesn't have enough wind
Chatongo	Boy	He who does not know enough

Chatpangon	Boy	Not awake enough
Chirika	Girl	Name of a bird
Chubasca	Girl	Storm at the sea
Erensia	Girl	Heritage
Fetangis	Unisex	One who cries a lot
Fresca	Girl	Fresh; Cool
Gamomo	Boy	He who loves battle
Guafi	Boy	Fire
Guaiya	Boy	Love
Guifi	Unisex	Dream

Halomtano	Boy	Jungle or forest
Hanomtano	Girl	Water-land
Hirao	Boy	Affection or emotion
Hoben	Boy	One who is youthful and vigorous
Husto	Boy	He who is just; Righteous
Inapo	Boy	Wave
Inina	Girl	Glimmer of light
Irao	Boy	A form of Hirao; Love or affection
Kantit	Boy	Cliff
Kurihi	Boy	Guide, lead away

Langit	Boy	Heaven; Paradise
Latasi	Girl	Praise
Layacna	Unisex	Sail
Magahet	Boy	One who is honest and truthful
Mahoyu	Boy	A man who is strong and tough
Maipe	Boy	Fiery; Hot
Mamaisa	Boy	He who likes being alone or solitary
Mames	Unisex	One who is sweet or kind
Mapappa	Boy	Someone who has been detached or removed
Matapang	Boy	Brave and spirited

Menhalom	Boy	Smart and intelligent
Monaeka	Girl	Doll
Naile	Girl	Tall and slender woman
Napo	Boy	Wave; Surf
Napona	Boy	His wave
Paharita	Girl	Little bird
Poyo	Boy	Young chicken or cockerel
Puengi	Girl	Night
Pulan	Boy	Moon
Pution	Boy	Star

Quipuha	Boy	The quipuha tree found in Guam
Serenata	Girl	Serenade; Evening music
Suette	Girl	Luck or good fortune; She who is lucky
Suetto	Boy	He who is free
Sukori	Girl	Aid or help
Tadtaotao	Boy	One who has no people
Tadtasi	Unisex	Having no sea
Tafaye	Boy	He who is not wise
Taga	Boy	Chop
Tailayag	Boy	No sail

Taitanga	Unisex	Not wished for
Taitasi	Girl	No sea
Tasina	Unisex	His or her sea

The above-curated list reveals that Chamorro baby names could offer more than just unique origins and meanings. From simple, one to two-syllable names to more complex names with difficult spellings and pronunciation, these names are versatile and unconventional. In addition, each name is mentioned with its meaning to make it simpler for you to choose a suitable name for your child. So, peruse each one carefully to select a meaningful and ideal name everyone appreciates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do Chamorro baby names reflect the values and beliefs of the Chamorro people?

Chamorro baby names embody nature and cultural heritage and reflect the cherished virtues of the Chamorro people. Nature-inspired names such as Chirika, the name of a bird, symbolize the people's deep respect for the environment. Similarly, they honor and show their respect for the revered historical figures through names such as Matapang, the chief of the ancient Chamorro village of Tomhom on the island of Guahan.

2. How do Chamorro baby names honor ancestors and their legacies?

Chamorro people often chose names inspired by family members to reflect their ancestral traits. They incorporate family history and traditional practices and seek guidance from elders in the name-selection process. This helps them maintain a connection to their ancestors while honoring and upholding the legacy and connecting future generations to their roots.

Infographic: Contemporary Baby Names Of Chamorro Origin

Chamorro baby names are way more common than one would think, with the significant influence of Spanish. They mostly depict positive meanings and often describe the situation in which a child is born. In the infographic below, we have listed some unique Chamorro baby names for you and their meanings and usage. Take a look and select the best one for your child.

fashionable chamorro baby names for boys and girls (infographic)

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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Author Editor Fact Checker

Praggya JoshiMA, BEd

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

Read full bio of Praggya Joshi

Aneesha AmonzMSc

Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz

Angela AlexMA

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