125 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.

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NameGenderMeaning
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Sione
Baby Boy Sign Boy A Tongan form of John; God is gracious
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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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Sela
Baby Girl Sign Girl Short form of Selena; Rock; Moon
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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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Semisi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Supplanter
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Alisi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Of the noble kind
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Anjelo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tongan form of Angelo; Angel
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Kalasia
Baby Girl Sign Girl Grace; A graceful woman
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Ane
Baby Girl Sign Girl God was gracious; God has shown favor; Grace
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Takina
Baby Girl Sign Girl To be carried away
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Ailine
Baby Girl Sign Girl Bright one; Shining one
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Seini
Baby Girl Sign Girl Yahweh is gracious; Yahweh is merciful
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Levenez
Baby Boy Sign Boy Like a Raven
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Silika
Baby Girl Sign Girl She who is as soft as a silk
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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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Siale
Baby Girl Sign Girl A flowering bush
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Siete
Baby Girl Sign Girl Jjet stone; The color black
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Sikota
Baby Girl Sign Girl The kingfisher bird
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Sikueli
Baby Girl Sign Girl Squirrel
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Silafi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Giraffe
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Sinitalela
Baby Girl Sign Girl Little one from the ashes
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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.

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.

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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

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

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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.

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