Polynesian Baby Names & Meanings: Samoan and Cook Island Māori Names

Choosing a name for your little one is such a special part of preparing for their arrival. And for many Polynesian families, a name can be so much more than something that simple sounds beautiful. Names can carry connections to family genealogy, language, culture or faith.

Whether you're searching for a name that reflects your baby's heritage or simply looking for inspiration, we've put together a collection of beautiful Polynesian baby names and their meaning from across the Pacific.

Photo: @by.jenmasoe

Samoan Baby Names

Girls

Teuila - The national flower of Samoa

Amataga - Beginnings

Elei - The traditional art of decorating fabrics

Lagi - Heaven or sky

Masina - Moon

Penina - Pearl

Olaga - Life

Lanuola - Colours of life

Boys

Vasa - Ocean/sea

Toa - Warrior

Malosi - Strength

Masina - Moon

Manaia - Nice/Good

Ioane - John

Fetu - Star

Cook Islands Baby Names

Girls

Tiare - Flower

Moana - Ocean

Roimata - Tears

Aro'a - Love

Māiāta - Early Dawn

Maeva - A shout of glee or triumph

Boys

Auīka - Blue

Ariki - Chief

Toroā - Sea bird

Marino - Calm

Rangi - Sky/heaven

Metusela - Methuselah

More Polynesian Baby Names We Love

We couldn't finish this list without sharing a few more beautiful names from across the Pacific. Here are a few more favourites and the meanings behind them.

Girls

Leilani - Heavenly flower/child

Moemoeā - Dream (Tahitian)

Ofa - Love (Tongan)

Talei - Precious (Fijian)

Heilala - Flower (Tongan)

Vaiata - Beautiful reflection

Boys

Alaka'i - Leader

Tevita - David (Tongan)

Samisoni - Sun (Tongan)

'Aisea - Isaiah (Tongan)

Mikaele - Michael

Keola - Life/health (Hawaiian)

A Name to Carry With Them

There is something special about giving a child a name that connects them to where they come from. For families raising their little ones away from the islands, these small connections can become even more meaningful. A name, a word, a story or a tradition can all become part of how we keep culture present in everyday life.

At Island Pepe, creating little ways for our children to grow up seeing, hearing and celebrating the cultures they come from is something very close to our hearts.

We hope this list can give you a little inspiration while choosing the perfect name for your pepe.

A Note About Meanings of The Names

The meanings and origins shared in this article are provided as a guide. Across Polynesian cultures and languages, the meaning of a name can vary depending on its spelling, pronounciation and cultural context. Some names may also have more than one meaning or be used across several Pacific cultures.

Where possible, we recommend speaking with family members, elders or fluent speakers of the relevant language when choosing a name with cultural significance.

Island Pepe team

Photo: @by.jenmasoe