Polynesian and South Sea Islander Names

  1. Moerani
    • Origin:

      Tahitian
    • Meaning:

      "sleep heaven"
    • Description:

      This gender-neutral Tahitian name has a peaceful meaning.
  2. Ngaire
    • Origin:

      Maori
    • Meaning:

      "flax flower"
    • Description:

      This name is common in New Zealand and Australia, with famous bearers including TV producer Ngaire Fuata and academic and author Ngaire Woods. It is pronounced ng (like the end of sing) -EYE-ree.
  3. Nyree
    • Origin:

      English from Maori
    • Meaning:

      "flaxen"
    • Description:

      Anglicized form of Ngaire, this name is sometimes heard in New Zealand and very occasionally in England.
  4. Aroha
    • Origin:

      Māori
    • Meaning:

      "love"
    • Description:

      This beautiful Māori name meaning love (cognate with Hawaiian aloha) is more wearable than the English word and softer Venus or Aphrodite. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern named her daughter Neve Te Aroha in 2018, and in recent years, Aroha / Te Aroha has become the most popular Māori baby girl name.
  5. Sione
    • Origin:

      Tongan and Samoan form of John, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      John is a name that's widely translated around the world, and this is one of the more unusual options. It is known internationally largely through rugby players, such as Sione Tuipulotu, captain of the Scotland rugby union team.
  6. Ngaio
    • Origin:

      Maori
    • Meaning:

      "reflections on the water"
    • Description:

      New Zealand writer Ngaio (born Edith Ngaio) Marsh is the best-known bearer of this Maori nature name, properly pronounced ng (like the end of sing) -EYE-oh. It is the name of a tree indigenous to New Zealand, also called the Mousehole Tree.
  7. Winiata
    • Origin:

      Maori surname
    • Description:

      Winiata is a Maori version of the English surname Wynyard, which is nowadays closely linked to several prominent Maori families.
  8. Maui
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian place name and Polynesian mythology name
    • Description:

      While Maui was a male trickster god in Polynesian mythology, the well-known Hawaiian place name Maui can work for either gender.
  9. Manaia
    • Origin:

      Maori
    • Meaning:

      "embellishment; spiritual messenger"
    • Description:

      The Manaia is a mythological creature in Māori culture, a common motif in Māori art. Usually depicted as having the head of a bird, the tail of a fish and the body of a man, the Manaia is traditionally believed to be the messenger between the earthly world of mortals and the domain of the spirits, and its symbol is used as a guardian against evil.
  10. Tama
    • Origin:

      Maori, Meskwaki
    • Meaning:

      "son or boy; crash of thunder"
    • Description:

      A simple, easily-translated Maori name that coincides with a stormy Meskwaki name (also spelled Taimah) used as a country and city name in the US.
  11. Maata
    • Description:

      Maata is a feminine name with Polynesian roots, particularly found in Māori culture where it can mean 'face' or 'appearance.' In some Finnish and Estonian contexts, it may be related to the name Marta or Martha. The name has a rhythmic, open sound with its repeated 'a' vowels that makes it flow easily. Though uncommon in Western countries, it has traditional significance in Pacific Island communities. Maata carries a connection to indigenous heritage and natural elements, reflecting cultural values of beauty and presence. While relatively rare globally, the name has seen occasional use outside its cultures of origin as parents increasingly seek names with meaningful cultural roots and distinctive sounds.

  12. Vaimiti
    • Origin:

      Tahitian
    • Meaning:

      "salt water"
    • Description:

      This ocean-oriented name is one of the Tahitian names unknown in the wider world.
  13. Aroha
    • Origin:

      Maori
    • Meaning:

      "love"
    • Description:

      A simple gender-neutral name.
  14. Erena
    • Description:

      Erena is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Māori tradition, it serves as a variant of Helen, meaning 'bright one' or 'shining light.' The name also appears in Japanese culture with various kanji combinations offering meanings like 'blessed with goodness' or 'beautiful blessing.' In some European contexts, it may function as a variation of Irene, meaning 'peace.' This multicultural name features a melodic three-syllable rhythm with a feminine ending that flows naturally. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Erena offers parents a name with international appeal and positive connotations across different cultures. Its distinctive sound sets it apart while remaining accessible and pleasant to pronounce.

  15. Papa
    • Origin:

      Maori
    • Meaning:

      "earth"
    • Description:

      A baby girl named Papa might cause some confusion, but the Papa (or Papatuanuku) of Polynesian mythology is the mother or earth goddess.
  16. 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.
  17. Maaka
    • Description:

      Maaka is a masculine name with Polynesian origins, particularly prominent in Māori culture where it means 'strength' or can refer to 'red ochre,' a sacred earth pigment. In the Māori language, the name carries connotations of power and spiritual significance. While relatively uncommon globally, Maaka maintains cultural importance in New Zealand and other Polynesian communities. The name's straightforward pronunciation (MAH-ah-kah) and meaningful heritage make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name with cultural depth and positive attributes. Maaka remains relatively rare outside of Polynesian communities, giving it a distinctive quality for those who bear it.
  18. Moerani
    • Origin:

      Tahitian
    • Meaning:

      "sleep heaven"
    • Description:

      Moerani is a gender-neutral Tahitian name that might be translated as sleep heaven or sleep sky, perhaps reflecting a wish for a peaceful baby.
  19. Vaitiare
    • Origin:

      Tahitian
    • Meaning:

      "water flower"
    • Description:

      Tiare, which means flower, is also a name and would make a simpler South Sea Islander choice. Vaitiare adds a water element.
  20. Pania
    • Origin:

      Maori, a mythological sea maiden
    • Description:

      Pania is a possible alternative to Tania, if you want to go the New Zealand rather than Russian route.

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