​
​
Advanced Search

Polynesian and South Sea Islander Names

  1. Anahera

    • Origin:

      Maori

    • Meaning:

      "angel"

    • Description:

      This feminine name — simply "angel" imported into Māori phonology — is fresher than Angela and less Hollywood than Angelina.
  2. Marama

    • Origin:

      Maori and Tahitian

    • Meaning:

      "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".
  3. Moerani

    • Origin:

      Tahitian

    • Meaning:

      "sleep heaven"

    • Description:

      This gender-neutral Tahitian name has a peaceful meaning.
  4. Tua

    • Origin:

      Samoan, Indonesian, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "stand, rise; old, ripe; yours"

    • Description:

      Succinct and deceptively simple, Tua is a multicultural, unisex choice with a variety of meanings. It is most notably borne by NFL player, Tua Tagovailoa.
  5. Mele

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian, Tongan, and Samoan

    • Meaning:

      "song"

    • Description:

      Some sources say Mele is a South Sea Islander form of Mary, but it's also a name in its own right meaning song.
  6. Awhina

    • Origin:

      Maori

    • Meaning:

      "help, support"

    • Description:

      A pretty name with an admirable meaning, but note the "wh" is pronounced like an English "f".
  7. 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.
  8. Oliana

    • Origin:

      Polynesian

    • Meaning:

      "oleander"

    • Description:

      Lilting choice. "Oleanna" is the title of a David Mamet play.
  9. 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.
  10. Pele

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian goddess of fire

    • Description:

      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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.

  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. Tiare

    • Origin:

      Tahitian

    • Meaning:

      "flower"

    • Description:

      A South Sea Islander name that may be adopted by the wider world, with its simple spelling and lovely nature meaning.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. Poerava

    • Origin:

      Tahitian

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  19. Herenui

    • Origin:

      Tahitian

    • Meaning:

      "big love"

    • Description:

      The Tahitian roots of Herenui are here, which means love, and nui, which means big. So this South Sea Islander name can be translated as "big love".
  20. 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.