Polynesian and South Sea Islander Names
- Tiare
Origin:
TahitianMeaning:
"flower"Description:
A South Sea Islander name that may be adopted by the wider world, with its simple spelling and lovely nature meaning.
- 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.
- 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.
- Vaimiti
Origin:
TahitianMeaning:
"salt water"Description:
This ocean-oriented name is one of the Tahitian names unknown in the wider world.
- Papa
Origin:
MaoriMeaning:
"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.
- Winiata
Origin:
Maori surnameDescription:
Winiata is a Maori version of the English surname Wynyard, which is nowadays closely linked to several prominent Maori families.
- Maui
Origin:
Hawaiian place name and Polynesian mythology nameDescription:
While Maui was a male trickster god in Polynesian mythology, the well-known Hawaiian place name Maui can work for either gender.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Moerani
Origin:
TahitianMeaning:
"sleep heaven"Description:
This gender-neutral Tahitian name has a peaceful meaning.
- Herenui
Origin:
TahitianMeaning:
"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".
- Heremoana
Origin:
TahitianMeaning:
"beloved ocean"Description:
Moana may be the best-known South Sea Islander name thanks to Disney. This puts a male spin on the appealing nature name.
- 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.
- Heitiare
Origin:
TahitianMeaning:
"flower crown"Description:
Heitiare is a classic Tahitian name that's virtually unknown in the US.
- Pomare
Origin:
TahitianMeaning:
"night cough"Description:
This gender-neutral royal name of Tahiti was inspired by the death of a child from a night cough, not the most positive reference especially in the age of Covid.
- 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.
- Roimata
Origin:
MaoriMeaning:
"teardrop, tears"Description:
A Maori name famously borne by NZ actress Roimata Fox. The winner of the 2015 series of New Zealand's The X Factor sang a love song about a woman with this name.
- Hine
Origin:
MaoriMeaning:
"girl"Description:
Would be the Maori equivalent of Cora or any other name meaning maiden.
- Heirani
Origin:
TahitianMeaning:
"heavenly crown; heavenly flowers"Description:
The Tahitian variation of Leilani.