130 Pleasing Polynesian Baby Names Parents Will Love

Polynesian baby names are known for their beauty and heritage. They come from Polynesian languages that are a part of the Austronesian language family. Polynesian languages include Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, Tahitian, and Tongan. These are spoken across the vast region of Polynesia, which includes more than 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. Also known as the Polynesian Triangle, these islands have given birth to languages that date back thousands of years. An interesting fact about Polynesian languages is that they are connected to the indigenous languages of Taiwan, Maritime Southeast Asia, Micronesia, and Madagascar.

As the people of Polynesia migrated over several centuries between 3000 and 1000 BC, these languages carry various linguistic traces. Polynesian baby names reflect these influences. For example, Etuate is a form of Edward or Kala is a form of Sarah. In addition to these, Polynesian names are inspired by nature, mythology, and virtues. As seafaring was one of the main occupations of the Polynesians, several names are associated with the ocean. Names such as Moana, Kailani, Heremoana, and Aukai are connected to their ancestors. Other names such as Teuila, Auliʻi, Siena, Q'orianka, Dwayne, Jason, Keanu, and Pua have become famous because of their association with celebrities. However, it is important to remember that while the different Polynesian languages show similar linguistic origins, they are categorized into cultures, mythologies, and legends.

In recent years, Polynesian names have started gaining recognition on a global scale. Hawaiian names are becoming popular in the US, while Maori names find more popularity in New Zealand. With parents looking for names with deeper meanings and cultural roots, Polynesian baby names are gaining their place at the forefront. They often have unique pronunciations and spellings that make them stand out. This list covers some of the most well-known and beloved Polynesian names from different languages and cultures. Take a look!

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NameGenderMeaning
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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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Loa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Storm clouds
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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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Tiare
Baby Girl Sign Girl Flower, beauty, elegance
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Tamatoa
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Treasure seeker
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Semisi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Supplanter
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Okalani
Baby Girl Sign Girl Protector of nobility; One who carries the nobility with dignity
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Anjelo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Angelo; Angel
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Chyla
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong; Independent
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Kalasia
Baby Girl Sign Girl Grace; A graceful woman
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Nester
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex One who dwells; Homebody
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Tane
Baby Boy Sign Boy Polynesian mythology name; God of forests and light
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Maili
Baby Girl Sign Girl A gentle breeze
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Takina
Baby Girl Sign Girl To be carried away
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Rewa
Baby Girl Sign Girl A slim, slender, elegant woman
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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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Lami
Baby Girl Sign Girl Hidden, Out of Sight
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Oke
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A horn from the war
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Te
Baby Boy Sign Boy A sharp end
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Toa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Warrior
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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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Amanaki
Baby Girl Sign Girl Hope
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Amipa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Amber stone
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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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Avoca
Baby Girl Sign Girl Sweet valley
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Emeni
Baby Girl Sign Girl Tonga word for Amen
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Eponi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Ebony; Black
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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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Hahau
Baby Girl Sign Girl Dew
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Heneli
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Henry; Home ruler
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Hiva
Baby Girl Sign Girl Song
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Huelo
Baby Girl Sign Girl Ray of light
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Huhulu
Baby Girl Sign Girl The one who glows
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Ilisapesi
Baby Girl Sign Girl The blessed one
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Kahoa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Necklace
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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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Kalauni
Baby Girl Sign Girl Crown
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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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Kiupita
Baby Girl Sign Girl Cupid or love angel
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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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Laaka
Baby Girl Sign Girl Carefree; Jark bird
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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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Langi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Heaven
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Lautoka
Baby Girl Sign Girl Plains
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Laveni
Baby Girl Sign Girl Lavender shrub
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Lavenita
Baby Girl Sign Girl The lavender scent
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Lekeleka
Baby Girl Sign Girl Of the moon
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Liliko
Baby Girl Sign Girl Bird
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Longo
Baby Girl Sign Girl Quiet
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Susitino
Baby Boy Sign Boy Susitino is a form of Justin; Just or righteous
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Lopini
Baby Girl Sign Girl The robin bird
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Lose
Baby Girl Sign Girl Rose
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Lotu
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is admired
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Kelekolio
Baby Boy Sign Boy A form of Gregory; Watchful; Alert
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Lovai
Baby Girl Sign Girl She who is loved; Heavy rains
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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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Melino
Baby Girl Sign Girl Peace
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Musika
Baby Girl Sign Girl Tongan word for music
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Oketa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Tongan word for orchid
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Onike
Baby Girl Sign Girl The onyx gem
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Opeli
Baby Girl Sign Girl Opal gem
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Paame
Baby Girl Sign Girl The palm tree
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Panisi
Baby Girl Sign Girl The pansy flower
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Papahi
Baby Girl Sign Girl She who is mischievously smart
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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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Safaia
Baby Girl Sign Girl The sapphire stone; The color blue
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Salato
Baby Girl Sign Girl Tree
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Samena
Baby Girl Sign Girl Secret
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Seletute
Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong spear
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Polynesian baby names are taken from different languages including Hawaiian, Samoan, Fijian, Maori, and Tahitian. Each of these names reflects the culture and traditions. Though these names can be traced back to several centuries, they are gaining popularity in recent years due to active globalization and social media. As linguistic barriers fall, these choices are being adopted by parents from all over the world. Their unique spellings and pronunciations also make Polynesian baby names stand out. In recent years, indigenous Polynesian baby names have been absorbed into mainstream names and are gaining popularity worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Polynesian baby names be combined or shortened?

In many Polynesian cultures, new names are created by combining parts of existing names or shortening longer names. For example, the Tahitian name Tamatoa combines 'tama' (child) and 'toa' (warrior). The Hawaiian name Kekoa, meaning 'the brave one or warrior,' might be shortened to Koa.

2. Can Polynesian names be used as middle names?

Polynesian names may be used as middle names if preferred. People of Polynesian descent living in other countries or those wanting to honor their Polynesian heritage may practice this. For example, someone might have a Western first name followed by a Polynesian middle name, like Sarah Toa Johnson, where Toa means 'warrior.'

3. Is it common to give multiple Polynesian names?

It is common to give multiple Polynesian names, though practices vary by island and archipelago. In Hawaiian or Tongan culture, a child might receive a lengthy, formal name composed of several meaningful elements.

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