Polynesia is a subregion of Oceania, comprising over 1,000 islands scattered across the central and southern Pacific Ocean. The name Polynesia means many islands in Greek, and the region includes countries such as Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Tuvalu, as well as territories of France (French Polynesia) and the United States (American Samoa).
The people of Polynesia are generally called Polynesians and are a distinct ethnic group. Polynesians have a rich cultural heritage and share many commonalities in their traditions, beliefs, and values despite the vast distances separating their islands.
Polynesian names tend to be gender-specific, and many have deep spiritual and cultural significance. They may be derived from historical events, natural phenomena, plants, animals, or family and community relationships.
In This Article
50 Polynesian Names for Boys and Meanings
Here are some popular and common Polynesian boy names and their significance.
Afi
Afi is a Samoan name that means "fire". Fire holds significant spiritual and cultural importance in many Polynesian cultures, representing both destruction and rebirth.
Aito
Aito is a Tahitian name that means "warrior". The name reflects the significance of martial skills and bravery in Polynesian cultures, where warriors played important roles in protecting their communities. Aito Arii Tereva is a Tahitian politician who served as the Vice-President of French Polynesia from 1991 to 1996.
Alipate
Alipate is a Tongan name that means "lover of battles". The name reflects the cultural importance of martial prowess and courage in Polynesian societies. Alipate Qetaki is a Fijian rugby player who has represented the Fiji national rugby sevens team in international competitions.
Amanaki
Amanaki is a Tongan name that means "hope". The name reflects the importance of optimism and positivity in Polynesian cultures, where community support and togetherness are highly valued.
Amasio
Amasio is a Samoan name that means "god of the sea". The name reflects the significance of the ocean in Polynesian cultures, where fishing, navigation, and seafaring have played important roles in daily life. Amasio is Amasio is a Samoan musician known for his contributions to Pacific Island music and his activism on social and environmental issues affecting Pacific Island communities.
Anaru
Anaru is a popular Maori name that is a variant of the English name Andrew. The name means "manly" and is often given to baby boys in New Zealand. An interesting fact about the name Anaru is that it was first introduced to Maori culture by European settlers.
Aso
Aso is a popular Samoan name that is a variant of the Hebrew name Joseph. The name means "he will add". A notable namesake is Asofa'atasi Leulumoega-Fou, a former Prime Minister of Samoa.
Enele
Enele is a Tongan name that is a variant of the Germanic name Ernest. The name means "serious" or "determined". A notable namesake is Enele Sopoaga, a former Prime Minister of Tuvalu.
Enoha
Enoha is a Hawaiian name that is a variant of the Hebrew name Enoch. The name means "dedicated". A fun fact about the name Enoha is that it is very rare and has only been given to a handful of babies in the United States.
Eteroa
Eteroa is a Maori name that is a variant of the English name Edward. The name means "wealthy guardian" and is often given to baby boys in New Zealand.
Fa'afetai
Fa'afetai is a common name in Samoa and means "thankful" or "grateful." The name is often given to boys who are born during a time of thanksgiving or who are seen as a blessing to their family.
Fa'amoe
Fa'amoe is a name that means "to sleep" in Samoan. It is a common name for boys in Polynesia and is often given to babies who sleep peacefully through the night.
Fa'avale
Fa'avale is a name that means "boat" or "canoe" in Samoan. It is a popular name for boys in Polynesia and is often given to babies who are born near the ocean or who are seen as adventurous and brave.
Fale
Fale is a name that means "house" in Samoan. It is often given to babies who are seen as protectors or providers for their family.
Fineas
Fineas is a Polynesian variant of the name Phineas, which is of Hebrew origin and means "oracle" or "mouth of brass". It is not clear how the name Fineas became used in Polynesia, but it may have been introduced by missionaries or early explorers.
Fono
Fono is a Samoan name that means "meeting" or "assembly." It is a name that reflects the importance of community and coming together in Samoan culture.
Ha'ama
Ha'ama is a Tongan name that means "protector" or "guardian." It is a strong and powerful name that reflects the importance of protecting one's family and community.
Haeata
Haeata is a Maori name that means "dawn" or "morning." It is a name that reflects the beauty and promise of a new day and a new beginning.
Haere
Haere is a Maori name that means "go," "move," or "travel." It is a name that reflects the adventurous spirit of the Maori people and their love of exploration.
Hīnano
Hīnano is a Hawaiian name that means "bud" or "blossom." It is a name that reflects the beauty and growth of nature, and the promise of new beginnings.
Hōne
Hōne is a Polynesian variation of the name John. It is a popular name among Maori and other Polynesian peoples.
Iakopa
Iakopa is a Polynesian version of the name Jacob, which has Hebrew origins and means "supplanter". It is often given to boys born into families with strong religious beliefs.
Ioane
Ioane is a Polynesian variation of the name John. The name has religious significance and is often given to boys born into families with strong Christian beliefs.
Iona
Iona is a Polynesian version of the name Jonah, which has Hebrew origins and means "dove".
Iosefa
Iosefa is a Polynesian variation of the name Joseph, which has Hebrew origins and means "he will add".
Kaipo
Kaipo is a popular Hawaiian name that means "beloved". It is often given to boys but can be used for girls as well.
Kaisa
Kaisa is a Hawaiian name that means "sea warrior". It is a unisex name and can be used for both boys and girls. Kaisa is not very common outside of Hawaii.
Kanaloa
Kanaloa is a Hawaiian name that means "god of the sea". In Hawaiian mythology, Kanaloa was one of the four major gods.
Kimo
Kimo is a Hawaiian name that means "James". It is a shortened version of the English name James.
Koa
Koa is a Hawaiian name that means "brave" or "warrior". It is often used in combination with other names, such as Koa Kai or Koa Maka.
Koki
Koki is a Hawaiian name that is a shortened version of the name Koa Kikī, which means "little koa tree." Koa is a type of tree that is native to Hawaii and is known for its strong, durable wood that was traditionally used to make canoes, weapons, and other tools.
Lasa
Lasa is a Polynesian boy name that means "bright" or "shining" in Tongan. It is often given to children who are born during the daytime or who are seen as bright and promising.
Leka
Leka is a Polynesian boy name that means "a chief's mat" in Tongan. The name is often given to boys who are seen as leaders or who come from a family of leaders. In Tongan culture, the chief's mat is a symbol of power and authority, and it is often used to signify the position of a chief or leader.
Lono
Lono is a Hawaiian name that means "god of peace and prosperity." In Hawaiian mythology, Lono was a god who was associated with fertility, agriculture, and peace. He was also associated with the east wind and was believed to bring rain and prosperity to the land.
Lopeti
Lopeti is a Polynesian form of the name Joseph, which means "God will increase" in Hebrew. The name is often given to boys in Tonga and other Polynesian countries and is associated with the biblical story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers but eventually rose to become a powerful leader in Egypt.
Lui
Lui is a Polynesian name that means "famous warrior." It is a short form of the name Louis or Louie and has been used by several Polynesian leaders throughout history. One famous bearer of the name is Prince Lui, a member of the Tongan royal family.
Malakai
Malakai is a Polynesian name that means "my messenger."
Maleko
Maleko is a Polynesian name that means "God is my king." It is a variant of the biblical name Malachi.
Malie
Malie is a Polynesian name that means "calm" or "tranquil." It is a popular name in Hawaii.
Manase
Manase is a Polynesian name that means "forgetful." It is a common name in Samoa.
Makemake
Makemake is an important deity in Rapa Nui mythology, where he is believed to have created humanity and provided them with the resources they needed to survive. The name Makemake means "the creator of the world" or "the god of fertility," and is also the name of a dwarf planet in the Kuiper Belt.
Nukutere
The name Nukutere means "star gazers" or "seafarers" in the Cook Islands Maori language. It is also the name of a traditional double-hulled canoe that was built and launched in the Cook Islands in 2012, as part of a cultural revival of traditional navigation and seafaring skills.
Palaki
The name Palaki means "royal messenger" in Tongan, and has a strong association with Tongan royalty. Palaki was also the name of a 19th century Tongan chief and statesman who served as Prime Minister of Tonga.
Palalau
The name Palalau means "to sail with the wind behind you" in Samoan, and has connotations of good fortune and favorable winds. It is a fitting name for a seafaring people such as the Samoans.
Tama
The name Tama means "son" in several Polynesian languages, including Maori, Samoan, and Tongan.
Tamatoa
Tamatoa is a popular name among Polynesian boys and means "warrior" or "brave." In Disney's Moana, Tamatoa is depicted as a giant crab and the collector of shiny objects. Tamatoa is also the name of several notable people in the Pacific Islands.
Tāne
Tāne is a Māori name that means "man" and is commonly given to baby boys. In Māori mythology, Tāne is the god of the forest and is often associated with birds.
Taniela
Taniela is a Polynesian version of the name Daniel, which means "God is my judge" in Hebrew. The name is commonly given to boys in the Pacific Islands.
Toa
Toa is a Polynesian name that means "warrior."
Uikelotu
Uikelotu is a Tongan name that means "God's gift." It is often given as a way of expressing gratitude for a new addition to the family. The name is not commonly used outside of Tonga.
50 Polynesian Names for Girls and Meanings
Here are some of our favorite Polynesian girl names and their significance.
Ailani
Ailani is a popular name in Hawaii, and it means "high chief" or "chiefess." In Hawaiian culture, chiefs were highly respected and considered to have divine power.
Aleka
Aleka is a Hawaiian name that means "defender" or "helper." It can also be a variant of the name Alexandra. Aleka is a strong and empowering name that reflects the importance of standing up for oneself and others.
Amata
Amata is a Samoan name that means "eternal" or "everlasting." It is a beautiful and unique name that reflects the idea of something that lasts forever.
Anahera
Anahera is a Maori name that means "angel." It is a beautiful and meaningful name that reflects the idea of a divine messenger. Anahera is a popular name in New Zealand, where the Maori culture is an important part of the national identity.
Aolani
Aolani is a beautiful Hawaiian name that means "heavenly cloud". It is a perfect name for a baby girl who will bring joy and peace to her family.
Apikalia
Apikalia is a beautiful Hawaiian variation of the name Abigail. The name means "my father's joy".
Aroha
Aroha is a Maori name that means "love" or "compassion". It is a popular name in New Zealand and has a beautiful, soft sound.
Ema
Ema is a lovely Samoan name that means "universal" or "all-encompassing." It is a simple and sweet name that would be perfect for a baby girl.
Emere
Emere is a Maori name that is a variant of the name Emily. The name means "industrious" and is a popular name choice for girls in New Zealand.
Fa'ala
Fa'ala is a beautiful Samoan name that means "fortune" or "luck". The name has a unique sound and is a popular choice for girls in Samoa.
Fai
Fai is a Polynesian name that means "to start". In some Polynesian cultures, the name Fai is given to children who are born first, symbolizing the beginning of a new family or generation.
Hana
Hana is a Polynesian name that means "work". It is a popular name in many Polynesian cultures, and is often given to girls who are seen as hardworking and diligent.
Hau'oli
Hau'oli is a Hawaiian name that means "happy". It is a name that is often associated with positivity and joy.
Haukea
Haukea is a Hawaiian name that means "white snow". It is a beautiful and unique name that is often given to girls who are born during the winter months or who have a pale complexion.
Iliana
Iliana is a Polynesian name that means "royal hawk". It is a strong and regal name that is often given to girls who are seen as leaders or who have a strong personality.
Inoke
Inoke is a Polynesian girl's name that means "devoted." Inoke can be spelled differently, such as Inoce, but it retains its meaning. The name Inoke is commonly used in Tonga and Fiji.
Iolana
Iolana is a Hawaiian girl's name that means "soaring like a hawk." Iolana is a name that is used to express the idea of freedom, independence, and the ability to soar high.
Isa
Isa is a Polynesian girl's name that means "courageous." It is a name that is not very common, but it is beautiful in its simplicity.
Kahurangi
Kahurangi is a Maori girl's name that means "blue sky." Kahurangi is a name that can be used for a girl who is free-spirited, optimistic, and has a bright future ahead of her.
Kalea
Kalea is a Hawaiian girl's name that means "bright." Kalea is a name that can be used for a girl who is full of light, optimism, and joy.
Kaulana
Kaulana is a Hawaiian name that means "famous." It has a musical quality to it that makes it a popular name for girls in Hawaii.
Keanu
Keanu is a Hawaiian name that means "cool breeze." It gained popularity in the Western world after the actor Keanu Reeves rose to fame in the 1990s.
Keiki
Keiki is a Hawaiian word that means "child." It can be used as a name for either gender and is often used in the context of family and community. In Hawaiian culture, children are seen as precious gifts from the gods.
Kiana
Kiana is a Hawaiian name that means "soft breeze."
Kiele
Kiele is a Hawaiian name that means "fragrant blossom." It is a popular name for girls in Hawaii and is often associated with the beauty and fragility of flowers.
Kilohana
Kilohana is a beautiful name with a strong meaning of expertise and skill. It can be used for both boys and girls. In Hawaiian culture, skill was highly valued and Kilohana is a great way to celebrate that.
Lani
Lani is a short and sweet Hawaiian name that means "heavenly". It is a popular name in Hawaii and is often used in combination with other Hawaiian names. Lani Misalucha is a famous Filipino singer who is known for her powerful vocals.
Leilani
Leilani is a popular Hawaiian name that means "heavenly flower". It is a beautiful and feminine name that has been given to many girls.
Lilo
Lilo is a Hawaiian name that means "generous one". It is a simple and cute name.
Loimata
Loimata is a Samoan name that means "tears". In Samoan culture, tears are seen as a symbol of love and respect.
Luana
Luana is a popular Hawaiian name that means enjoyment or contentment. It has been used in Hawaii for centuries and is associated with a laid-back, happy lifestyle.
Mahina
Mahina is a Hawaiian name that means moon. In Hawaiian culture, the moon is often associated with femininity and the cycles of life.
Maila
Maila is a Hawaiian name that means perhaps bitter or defiant. The name has a unique sound and is not very common in Hawaii or elsewhere.
Manaia
Manaia is a Maori name that means divine or spiritual being. It is a popular name in New Zealand and has been used for both boys and girls. In Maori mythology, the manaia is a creature with the head of a bird and the body of a human, and it is often depicted in Maori art and tattoos.
Marama
Marama is a Maori name that means moon or month. It is a popular name in New Zealand and has been given to many girls over the years. In Maori culture, the moon is often associated with femininity and the cycles of life.
Mele
Mele is a popular name in Hawaiian culture, meaning "song" or "poem". It is often used in reference to the musical traditions of the islands, and may also represent the poetic language that is common in Hawaiian storytelling.
Moana
Moana is a Polynesian name meaning "ocean", reflecting the deep connection between the people of the Pacific and the sea that surrounds them. The name gained widespread popularity after the release of the Disney film of the same name, which tells the story of a young girl who sets out to save her island home.
Nalani
Nalani is a Hawaiian name meaning "the heavens", and is often used to symbolize the vastness and beauty of the celestial realm.
Noelani
Noelani is a Hawaiian name meaning "mist of heaven", and is often used to evoke the beauty and mystery of the natural world.
Oliana
Oliana is a Hawaiian name meaning "oleander", a type of flowering shrub that is common in the islands.
Paloma
Paloma is a Spanish name meaning "dove" that has been adopted into Polynesian culture.
Pua
Pua is a popular Hawaiian name that means "flower." It is often used as a term of endearment for young girls and is associated with beauty and grace.
Roselani
Roselani is a Hawaiian name meaning "heavenly rose." It is a unique and beautiful name that combines the English name Rose with the Hawaiian suffix "lani," which means "heavenly" or "royal."
Selu
Selu is a Samoan name that means "to choose." It is a short and simple name that has a strong meaning and is often given to girls who are seen as special or chosen.
Talia
Talia is a Polynesian name that means "morning dew" and is also of Hebrew origin, where it means "gentle dew from heaven."
Tasi
Tasi is a Polynesian name meaning "sea" and is often used as a unisex name. In Polynesian cultures, the sea holds great importance as a source of food, transportation, and spiritual connection.
Tiana
Tiana is a Polynesian name meaning "princess" and is a popular name choice for baby girls. The name gained wider recognition after the release of Disney's "The Princess and the Frog", where the main character is named Tiana.
Uilani
Uilani is a Hawaiian name meaning "heavenly beauty". It is a name that is often given to baby girls and is meant to convey the idea of a beautiful, angelic being.
Ululani
Ululani is a Hawaiian name meaning "heavenly inspiration". It is a name that is often given to baby girls and is meant to convey the idea of being inspired by something greater than oneself. In Hawaii, the name Ululani is associated with a beautiful waterfall located on the island of Maui.
Vaihere
Vaihere is a Tahitian name meaning "fragrant water". It is a name that is often given to baby girls and is meant to convey the idea of something refreshing and beautiful. In Tahiti, the name Vaihere is associated with the natural beauty of the islands, including the crystal-clear waters of the lagoons.