Aulelei! Polynesian and Pacific Island baby names that are as beautiful as they are meaningful
Beautiful names with even more beautiful meanings.
Polynesian and Pacific Island baby names that sound like music to the ears.
Whether you want to pay tribute to your Polynesian heritage, celebrate your Pacific Island roots, or are simply drawn to the beautiful meanings and melodic sounds behind these traditional names, Polynesian and Pacific Island baby names are full of heart, culture and history.
Often inspired by the ocean, nature, spirituality, strength and family connection, these names carry deep significance while also feeling unique and timeless. From sweet and gentle names to bold, powerful choices, these Pacific Island baby names are definitely worth considering when choosing the perfect name for your new little one.
Polynesian and Pacific Island baby names for boys
NOTE: when choosing a Polynesian baby name, one word may have multiple meanings.
Amiri
In Māori culture this name means “the east wind”, and in the Cook Islands, Amiri means “touch”.
Fetu
This beautiful name, sometimes the short form of the longer name Fetuilelagi means “God of the night” or “star”.
Laniakea
Laniakea or laniākea means “immense heaven”, “open skies”, or “wide horizons” and has origins stemming from the Laniakea Supercluster, a supercluster of galaxies that includes the Milky Way.
The name pays tribute to Polynesian navigators who used their knowledge to navigate the Pacific Ocean.
Manaia
This beautiful name means “good”.
The Manaia is a mythological creature in Māori culture, and a common motif in Māori art.
In the Samoan culture, Manaia is used to refer to the son of the high chief, when he performs taualaga, a dance to honour his family and village.
Rangi
This adorable name means “sky”.
In Maori and other Polynesian mythology Rangi or Ranginui was a god of the sky.
Sione
In Samoan and Tongan culture, Sione is a form of the name, John, meaning is “God is gracious”.
Taika
This gender-neutral name meaning “tiger”.
Most famously represented by actor and director, Taika Waititi, who is of Māori descent.
Tamati
Expecting twins? The name Tamati means “twin” and in Māori culture it is also a form of Thomas.
Tāne
Tāne is the name of the mighty Polynesian sky god who gave the moon and stars their place in the sky.
In Māori culture, Tāne is known for many roles.
Tāne-mahuta as god of the forest, Tāne-te-wānanga as the bringer of knowledge, and Tānenui-a-rangi as bringer of higher consciousness.
A traditional Māori name meaning ‘man’.
Polynesian and Pacific Island baby names for girls
NOTE: when choosing a Polynesian baby name, one word may have multiple meanings.
Arihi
With Māori and Samoan origins, this sweet Polynesian name means “noble” and “kind”.
Elei
Elei is the traditional Samoan art of decorating fabric and also makes for a pretty sweet sounding baby name, right?!
Emere
With origins in many Polynesian cultures, meaning “rival’, this name sure sounds prettier than its meaning!
Leinani
With origins in Hawaii and beyond, this Polynesian name means “beautiful child”.
Lulu
A beautiful Polynesian nature name, meaning “Pearl”.
Lulu also has a variety of other meanings such as “precious”, “peaceful”, “protected”, and “calm”.
Moana
Made famous by Disney and our favourite WAFL star, Moana Hope, this beautiful name means “deep ocean” and “sea”.
Pania
“Pania of the Reef” is an important figure in Polynesian mythology.
This adorable ocean name means “beautiful sea”.
Sefina
A short form of Iosefina, this name, popular in Samoa, means “victorious”.
Talia
Talia comes from the Samoan word, fa’atali and means “to wait” and “Lamb of God”.
Tui
A traditional Māori name meaning “A honeyeater bird; parson bird”.
Can non-Polynesian parents use Polynesian baby names respectfully?
Many parents are drawn to Polynesian baby names because of their beautiful sounds and meanings, but it’s important to approach them with respect and understanding. Learning the cultural significance, correct pronunciation and origins of a name can help families choose thoughtfully and respectfully.
