Polynesian and South Sea Islander Names
- Anahera
Origin:
MaoriMeaning:
"angel"Description:
This feminine name — simply "angel" imported into Māori phonology — is fresher than Angela and less Hollywood than Angelina.
- Ngaio
Origin:
MaoriMeaning:
"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.
- Pele
Origin:
Hawaiian goddess of fireDescription:
Pele is a female name in Hawaiian culture that could make a provocative choice for a modern girls. Others might think you named your daughter after the all-time great soccer player, but the simple, rare, and lovely name Pele has mythological roots.
- Sione
Origin:
Tongan and Samoan form of John, HebrewMeaning:
"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.
- Oliana
Origin:
PolynesianMeaning:
"oleander"Description:
Lilting choice. "Oleanna" is the title of a David Mamet play.
- Marama
Origin:
Maori and TahitianMeaning:
"moon; bright"Description:
The name of a male lunar deity in Maori mythology, Marama is nevertheless now used as a female name in New Zealand – no doubt because its warm sound lends itself to contemporary feminine trends. In Tahitian, it means "bright, clear".
- Tamatoa
Origin:
TahitianMeaning:
"child warrior"Description:
Names that convey strength and power are popular today, and this Tahitian name makes a rare choice in the category.
- Rangi
Origin:
MaoriMeaning:
"sky"Description:
In Maori and other Polynesian mythology Rangi or Ranginui was a god of the sky, husband of the earth goddess Papa or Papatuanuku. This strong and simple Māori name would make for a fresh celestial choice.
- Nyree
Origin:
English from MaoriMeaning:
"flaxen"Description:
Anglicized form of Ngaire, this name is sometimes heard in New Zealand and very occasionally in England.
- Pania
Origin:
Maori, a mythological sea maidenDescription:
Pania is a possible alternative to Tania, if you want to go the New Zealand rather than Russian route.
- Aroha
Origin:
MaoriMeaning:
"love"Description:
A simple gender-neutral name.
- Tangaroa
Origin:
Maori mythological name, ocean godDescription:
In Polynesian mythology Tangaroa was the god of the sea, the son of Rangi and Papa. He separated his parents' embrace, creating the earth and the sky.
- Viliami
Origin:
Tongan form of WilliamDescription:
William has any international variations, including the super-popular Liam. This version is largely unknown beyond the South Sea Islands.
- Vaihere
Origin:
TahitianMeaning:
"beloved water"Description:
Tahitian names are not well-known beyond the South Sea islands, but with their nature meanings and the new popularity of Hawaiian names, they may travel far in the future.
- 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.
- Poerava
Origin:
TahitianMeaning:
"black pearl"Description:
Tahiti is famous for its beautiful pearls, which are cultivated and collected from the black lip oyster. While you might think of pearls being white, Tahitian pearls are known as 'black pearls' and come in black, dark green, and grey with undertones of green, pink, silver blue and yellow. Poerava is the native Tahitian name for the pearls and is used as a feminine name.
- 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.
- Herewini
Origin:
Maori variation of Selwyn, EnglishMeaning:
"manor friend"Description:
The Maori form of an Old English given name, notably borne by George Augustus Selwyn, the first Bishop of New Zealand. The Bishop gave his name to several places and a river in New Zealand and this Maori variation has since been used as a surname and occasionally as a given or middle name. New Zealand rugby player McFarlane "Mack" Herewini is a more recent bearer.
- Pomare
Origin:
TahitianMeaning:
"night cough"Description:
This royal Tahitian name was borne by four kings and a queen of Tahiti. It was created after a royal baby died of a night cough, perhaps not the happiest meaning.
- Moerani
Origin:
TahitianMeaning:
"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.