122 Precious Tongan Baby Names From The South Pacific

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.

On This Page

Browse Baby Names By Gender

Browse Baby Names By Alphabet

1 2
NameGenderMeaning
heart image
Viliami
Baby Boy Sign Boy A form of William; Resolute protector
heart image
Atonio
Baby Boy Sign Boy Variant of Antony; Worthy of praise
heart image
Isileli
Baby Boy Sign Boy Strength
heart image
Salesi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Charles; Man
heart image
Siaosi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Farmer; A form of George
heart image
Semisi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Supplanter
heart image
Eloni
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex High mountain; Exalted
heart image
Haiti
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Land of high mountains; Nobility
heart image
Alisi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Of the noble kind
heart image
Anjelo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Angelo; Angel
heart image
Takina
Baby Girl Sign Girl To be carried away
heart image
Sifa
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex He will add; Praise
heart image
Ailine
Baby Girl Sign Girl Peace; Bright one; Shining one; Torch; Moon; Corposant
heart image
Seini
Baby Girl Sign Girl Yahweh is gracious; Yahweh is merciful
heart image
Ilisa
Baby Girl Sign Girl My God is an oath
heart image
Mele
Baby Boy Sign Boy Song; Wished for child; Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness
heart image
Levenez
Baby Boy Sign Boy Like a Raven
heart image
Silika
Baby Girl Sign Girl She who is as soft as a silk
heart image
Aasal
Baby Boy Sign Boy Late afternoons or evenings
heart image
Aberto
Baby Boy Sign Boy Aberto is Tongan form of Albert and means noble
heart image
Abich
Baby Boy Sign Boy Noble; A noble man
heart image
Afah
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan word for hurricane
heart image
Aisi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan word for ice
heart image
Alefosio
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Alphonso; Eager for war
heart image
Alifeleti
Baby Boy Sign Boy Elf counsel
heart image
Alipate
Baby Boy Sign Boy Noble
heart image
Amanaki
Baby Girl Sign Girl Hope
heart image
Amipa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Amber stone
heart image
Anitelu
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Andrew; Manly
heart image
Arshis
Baby Boy Sign Boy Blessings
heart image
Atamai
Baby Boy Sign Boy Knowing all; An intellectual man
heart image
Avoca
Baby Girl Sign Girl Sweet valley
heart image
Emeni
Baby Girl Sign Girl Tonga word for Amen
heart image
Eponi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Ebony; Black
heart image
Etuate
Baby Boy Sign Boy Rich guard
heart image
Falakiko
Baby Boy Sign Boy A form of Francis; Frenchman
heart image
Fokisi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Fox
heart image
Hahau
Baby Girl Sign Girl Dew
heart image
Heneli
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Henry; Home ruler
heart image
Huelo
Baby Girl Sign Girl Ray of light
heart image
Huhulu
Baby Girl Sign Girl The one who glows
heart image
Ilisapesi
Baby Girl Sign Girl The blessed one
heart image
Kahoa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Necklace
heart image
Kailao
Baby Boy Sign Boy War dance
heart image
Kainga
Baby Boy Sign Boy Relative in Tongan language
heart image
Kaivai
Baby Boy Sign Boy Mariner.
heart image
Kakaea
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tall
heart image
Kalauni
Baby Girl Sign Girl Crown
heart image
Kapo
Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is self taught
heart image
Kaukau
Baby Boy Sign Boy A Tongan term meaning surfer
heart image
Kelemete
Baby Boy Sign Boy A variation of Clement; Gentle
heart image
Kiupita
Baby Girl Sign Girl Cupid or love angel
heart image
Koloa
Baby Boy Sign Boy Wealth; A wealthy man
heart image
Komaki
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bay
heart image
Konelio
Baby Boy Sign Boy Horn; A form of Cornelius
heart image
Laaka
Baby Girl Sign Girl Carefree; Jark bird
heart image
Laione
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lion
heart image
Lakepi
Baby Boy Sign Boy A rugby player
heart image
Lamani
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lemon
heart image
Langi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Heaven
heart image
Lautoka
Baby Girl Sign Girl Plains
heart image
Laveni
Baby Girl Sign Girl Lavender shrub
heart image
Lavenita
Baby Girl Sign Girl The lavender scent
heart image
Lekeleka
Baby Girl Sign Girl Of the moon
heart image
Liliko
Baby Girl Sign Girl Bird
heart image
Longo
Baby Girl Sign Girl Quiet
heart image
Susitino
Baby Boy Sign Boy Susitino is a form of Justin; Just or righteous
heart image
Lopini
Baby Girl Sign Girl The robin bird
heart image
Lose
Baby Girl Sign Girl Rose
heart image
Lotu
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is admired
heart image
Kelekolio
Baby Boy Sign Boy A form of Gregory; Watchful; Alert
heart image
Lovai
Baby Girl Sign Girl She who is loved; Heavy rains
heart image
Maau
Baby Boy Sign Boy Poet
heart image
Mafu
Baby Boy Sign Boy Heart
heart image
Malohi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Strength; A strong man
heart image
Mamani
Baby Boy Sign Boy Earth
heart image
Melino
Baby Girl Sign Girl Peace
heart image
Musika
Baby Girl Sign Girl Tongan word for music
heart image
Oketa
Baby Girl Sign Girl Tongan word for orchid
heart image
Onike
Baby Girl Sign Girl The onyx gem
heart image
Opeli
Baby Girl Sign Girl Opal gem
heart image
Paame
Baby Girl Sign Girl The palm tree
heart image
Panisi
Baby Girl Sign Girl The pansy flower
heart image
Papahi
Baby Girl Sign Girl She who is mischievously smart
heart image
Pasilio
Baby Boy Sign Boy A form of Basil; Royal or kingly
heart image
Pelenato
Baby Boy Sign Boy A variant of Bernard; One who is brave, hardy, and strong
heart image
Penetiketo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Benedict; Blessed
heart image
Ponavenitula
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Bonaventure; Lucky
heart image
Ptolomeo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Bartholomew; Son of Talmai
heart image
Safaia
Baby Girl Sign Girl The sapphire stone; The color blue
heart image
Salato
Baby Girl Sign Girl Tree
heart image
Samena
Baby Girl Sign Girl Secret
heart image
Seletute
Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong spear
heart image
Siete
Baby Girl Sign Girl Jjet stone; The color black
heart image
Sikota
Baby Girl Sign Girl The kingfisher bird
heart image
Sikueli
Baby Girl Sign Girl Squirrel
heart image
Silafi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Giraffe
heart image
Sinitalela
Baby Girl Sign Girl Little one from the ashes
heart image
Tafotila
Baby Girl Sign Girl The daffodil flower
heart image
Tahi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Sea water
1 2

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.

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)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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.’

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

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.

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
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
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.

Read full bio of Ratika Pai