Polynesian Names

  1. Manu
    • Origin:

      Finnish, Maori, Hawaiian, Sanskrit, Akan, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "greatest; bird; wise; second born; God is with us"
    • Description:

      An international name that, while short and simple, sounds strong and distinctive, stylish and sweet all at once. It may appeal to those who want a name that works in multiple languages, while also feeling fresh and charming.
  2. Moana
    • Origin:

      Maori, Samoan
    • Meaning:

      "deep ocean, sea"
    • Description:

      This Maori name, often heard in New Zealand, is an attractive, evocative choice for lovers of the ocean made famous – perhaps too famous – by the Disney heroine. Moana was also an alternate name for the heroine Ofelia in Pan's Labyrinth. Moana may also be a color name for a deep ocean blue ("lanu moana"). Moana and other Disney Princess Names are the subject of a featured blog.
  3. Tane
    • Origin:

      Maori, Tahitian
    • Meaning:

      "man, male"
    • Description:

      In Maori mythology Tāne (also called Tāne Mahuta) was the god of forests and birds, son of the sky god Rangi and the earth goddess Papa. Tāne was the one who pushed his powerful parents apart to create the land and sky.
  4. Oliana
    • Origin:

      Polynesian
    • Meaning:

      "oleander"
    • Description:

      Lilting choice. "Oleanna" is the title of a David Mamet play.
  5. Tahiti
    • Origin:

      Polynesian place name, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      The Polynesian place name Tahiti was given to the island by its natives, although the origins of this name have been lost to history. Tahiti was once a Polynesian kingdom, but today is a part of the Society Islands in French Polynesia.

Introducing the Nameberry App

Nameberry App
Find your perfect baby name together with our new mobile app.
  • Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
  • Names you match on are saved to your shared list
  • Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
  • Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
  • Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
Sign up to be notified when the app launches and to receive a discount on full access.
Nameberry App Logo