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Looking for Samoan (Polynesian) baby names? I have compiled a list of the best Samoan baby names and I’m so excited to share! From the most meaningful Samoan name to the most popular name, I am positive you will find the perfect name for your little girl or boy within these lists! I have two lists, samoan girl’s name ideas as well as boy names.
Samoan Baby Names for Girls
Here’s a list of 100 beautiful Samoan girl names:
- Leilani
- Malia
- Moana
- Sina
- Tala
- Vaiola
- Alofa
- Fa’asamoa
- Lusia
- Faletui
- Manuia
- Fiafia
- Lilo
- Nofoaiga
- Siale
- Ane
- Tulia
- Taufa
- Lupe
- Tuiasina
- Lani
- Toa
- Uilani
- Alamea
- Atalina
- Tavita
- Malama
- Pele
- Leimomi
- Anamalia
- Latai
- Vaiana
- Taema
- Sinafefe
- Falefa
- Leitasi
- Malu
- Ulu
- Mavaega
- Tasi
- Vasa
- Talofa
- Uo
- Faafia
- Pua
- Mavae
- Lele
- Aiga
- Taula
- Vailele
- Solomona
- Moega
- Lologa
- Salamasina
- Sifa
- Moemoe
- Tafiti
- Lalovi
- Toelau
- Manamea
- Selu
- Suifua
- Silika
- Fofoga
- Vevela
- Fuatino
- Tino
- Ula
- Maluseu
- Telesia
- Maua
- Uila
- Tali
- Vaivasa
- Uoama
- Fiva
- Tamalii
- Vaopiu
- Vaimoana
- Saofaiga
- Tauivi
- Fualei
- Faatoia
- Faasolo
- Taloa
- Mauga
- Fagota
- Tamaleso
- Faletasi
- Sosina
- Tavalea
- Manuia
- Faavae
- Akenese
- Sauni
- Fagalima
- Falema’i
- Faatupu
- Aumavae
- Matatia
These samoan girls’ name are a mix of traditional Samoan names, along with some modern variations.
Samoan Baby Names for Boys
Here’s a list of 100 strong and meaningful Samoan baby names for boys:
- Malosi
- Tama
- Moana
- Matagi
- Leka
- Fa’afetai
- Fa’aolataga
- Pule
- Fale
- Sione
- Asofa
- Iosua
- Manu
- Tofa
- Toa
- Laumua
- Fa’alupega
- Sefo
- Faletusi
- Lealofi
- Malu
- Taito
- Lino
- Malumalu
- Fa’asamoa
- Lualua
- Pio
- Fa’atasi
- Tui
- Tau
- Leleua
- Afu
- Lolo
- Filipo
- Mauga
- Sili
- Siliva
- Tumua
- Ulugia
- Tuna
- Va’a
- Tupua
- Viliamu
- Tala
- Manatua
- Pelenato
- Falemalama
- Vaifale
- Sola
- Vasa
- Su’a
- Maua
- Tavita
- Luka
- Faatamalii
- Iakopo
- Moega
- Faoa
- Manase
- Vailea
- Talavou
- Pua
- Sefulu
- Ulu
- Vai
- Solomona
- Fa’amafu
- Faletoese
- Vaotoa
- Tafiti
- Uilama
- Afa
- Pioa
- Tamati
- Vaofusi
- Tino
- Fa’atupu
- Latai
- Lepuiai
- Toelupe
- Fualo
- Malae
- Siaosi
- Tulia
- Fa’afili
- Aiono
- Tinoimalo
- Vaimoana
- Afioga
- Fa’agau
- Faleasiu
- Leasi
- Taema
- Tagaloa
- Auvaa
- Fa’amanatu
- Leififi
- Faaono
- Fa’amanuia
- Fao
These names carry cultural significance and reflect the strength and values of Samoan heritage.
Unisex Names in Samoan Culture
Here is a list of unisex Samoan baby names that can be used for both boys and girls:
- Afa
- Alofa
- Fa’aolataga
- Fale
- Fata
- Leleua
- Leka
- Lino
- Malosi
- Manu
- Matagi
- Moana
- Pule
- Sefa
- Sina
- Taema
- Tama
- Tavita
- Toa
- Tui
- Ulu
- Vai
- Va’a
- Vasa
These names hold cultural significance and can be a wonderful choice for parents looking for unisex options for their Samoan baby.
Pacific Islander Baby Names
Pacific Islander cultures are diverse and encompass a wide range of languages and traditions. Here’s a list of baby names inspired by various Pacific Islander cultures:
1. Moana (Polynesian) – Meaning “ocean” or “sea.”
2. Kailani (Hawaiian) – Meaning “sea and sky.”
3. Manu (Samoan, Hawaiian) – Meaning “bird.”
4. Tane (Maori, Polynesian) – Referring to a god of forests and birds.
5. Malia (Hawaiian) – A variation of “Mary.”
6. Leilani (Hawaiian) – Meaning “heavenly flowers.”
7. Mateo (Chamorro) – A form of “Matthew.”
8. Lilo (Hawaiian) – Meaning “lost” or “generous one.”
9. Koa (Hawaiian) – Meaning “warrior” or “brave.”
10. Tevita (Tongan) – A form of “David.”
11. Mele (Hawaiian) – Meaning “song.”
12. Tui (Fijian) – Meaning “chief” or “king.”
13. Tafiti (Samoan) – Meaning “to search” or “to explore.”
14. Aroha (Maori) – Meaning “love” or “compassion.”
15. Anaru (Maori) – A form of “Andrew.”
16. Moetoto (Tahitian) – Meaning “eternity.”
17. Alani (Hawaiian) – Meaning “orange tree” or “fruit-bearing tree.”
18. Hina (Polynesian) – A goddess associated with the moon.
19. Afa (Samoan) – Meaning “hurricane.”
20. Vai (Tahitian, Samoan) – Meaning “water.”
21. Tapu (Maori) – Meaning “sacred” or “holy.”
22. Nia (Tongan) – Meaning “purpose” or “aim.”
23. Aulii (Hawaiian) – Meaning “delicate” or “exquisite.”
24. Nainoa (Hawaiian) – Meaning “one who is knowledgeable.”
25. Kalani (Hawaiian) – Meaning “the heavens.”
26. Malama (Hawaiian) – Meaning “caretaker” or “protector.”
27. Toa (Tongan, Samoan) – Meaning “warrior” or “strong.”
28. Tala (Samoan) – Meaning “story” or “tale.”
29. Inoke (Tongan) – A form of “John.”
30. Mana (Hawaiian, Polynesian) – Referring to spiritual power or authority.
31. Vika (Tongan) – A form of “Victoria.”
32. Ulani (Hawaiian) – Meaning “cheerful.”
33. Marama (Maori, Tahitian) – Meaning “moon.”
34. Faiva (Tongan, Samoan) – Meaning “performance” or “show.”
35. Tausani (Samoan) – Meaning “beautiful view.”
36. Ikaika (Hawaiian) – Meaning “strong” or “powerful.”
37. Akamu (Hawaiian) – A form of “Adam.”
38. Lalita (Tahitian) – Meaning “tender” or “delicate.”
39. Teuila (Samoan) – A flower often associated with Samoan culture
40. Kaimana (Hawaiian) – Meaning “diamond” or “power.”
41. Matagi (Samoan) – Meaning “wind.”
42. Finau (Tongan) – Meaning “to conquer” or “victory.”
43. Kaila (Hawaiian) – A form of “Kayla.”
44. Rangi (Maori, Tahitian) – Meaning “sky” or “heaven.”
45. Tevita (Tongan) – A form of “David.”
46. Keahi (Hawaiian) – Meaning “flames.”
47. Lani (Hawaiian) – Meaning “heaven” or “sky.”
48. Kiko (Chamorro) – Meaning “flesh” or “body.”
49. Hema (Maori) – Meaning “left” or “south.”
50. Nia (Tongan) – Meaning “aim” or “purpose.”
Remember that many Pacific Islander cultures have unique naming traditions and meanings. It’s important to research and understand the cultural context behind the names before choosing one for your child.
Famous Namesakes in Samoan Culture
Here are some famous individuals with Samoan heritage or connections:
1. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: The well-known actor, producer, and former professional wrestler has Samoan and Black Nova Scotian heritage through his father, Rocky Johnson, who was a professional wrestler of Samoan and Black descent.
2. Troy Polamalu: Former NFL player Troy Polamalu is of Samoan descent. He played as a safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers and is considered one of the greatest defensive players in the history of the league.
3. Rell Sunn: Often referred to as the “Queen of Makaha,” Rell Sunn was a pioneering female surfer and a beloved figure in the surfing community. She had Samoan, Hawaiian, and German heritage.
4. Olofatu “Olo” Uelese Va’ai: Olo Va’ai was a Samoan playwright, poet, and actor known for his contributions to Samoan literature and theater. He was also involved in social and cultural advocacy.
5. Marcus Mariota: NFL quarterback Marcus Mariota is of Samoan descent. He played for the Tennessee Titans and later joined the Las Vegas Raiders.
6. Ropati Pitoitua: Former NFL player Ropati Pitoitua is of Samoan heritage. He played as a defensive end for several NFL teams during his career.
7. Siaosi Veimau: Siaosi Veimau, known by his stage name Spawnbreezie, is a Samoan-American musician and singer-songwriter known for his reggae and R&B music.
8. Fiona Pironet: Fiona Pironet, known by her stage name Tha Sistah Fiyah, is a Samoan-born musician and rapper based in New Zealand. She’s known for her contributions to the hip-hop scene.
9. Louisa Wall: Louisa Wall is a New Zealand politician of Samoan and English descent. She’s a Member of Parliament and is known for her advocacy work, including the introduction of marriage equality legislation.
10. Keala Kennelly: Keala Kennelly is a professional surfer from Hawaii with Samoan heritage. She’s one of the few female surfers who actively competes in big wave surfing events.
These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields and have brought attention to their Samoan heritage through their achievements and talents.
Most Rhythmic Samoan Names
Samoan names often have a rhythmic quality due to the melodic nature of the language and its cultural significance. Here are a few Samoan names that have a rhythmic and musical flow:
- Malia – Malia is a lovely and popular name in various cultures, including Hawaiian and Samoan. In Samoan, “Malia” is often used as a variation of the name “Maria” or “Mary.” It’s a beautiful name with a timeless feel.
- Moana
- Manu
- Sina
- Tama
- Elei – The name Elei is a term used in Samoan and other Pacific Island cultures to refer to the traditional method of creating hand-printed fabrics using stencils. It’s also commonly used as a name.
- Aiga
- Tuiasina
- Sefulu
- Lusia
- Tausani
- Toelupe
- Faletui
- Alamea
- Tulia
- Tofa
- Pioa
- Ulu
- Tala
- Va’a
- Vai
- La’ei – The name La’ei is a Samoan name that means “gatherer” or “collector” in English. It’s a name with a strong connection to nature and the act of gathering resources, which reflects the importance of communal values and sustainable living in Samoan culture.
- Nofoaiga
- Maua
- Leilani
- Vasa
- Fofoga
- Afa
- Lolo
- Viliamu
- Sefo
Remember that Samoan names often have deeper cultural and familial meanings. When choosing a name, it’s important to consider the context, cultural relevance, and pronunciation within Samoan traditions.
Samoan Culture
Samoa is officially the independent state of Samoa. The Samoan (Polynesian) culture is very well known for their personalities and warm smiles! So, why wouldn’t you want your baby’s name to come from the Polynesian heritage? They are some of the most beautiful names with all different meanings. Their culture as a whole, is super welcoming and they accept just about anyone they meet. As a Samoan tradition, in their culture, most activities are done together so they really value their time together.
Samoan language is a Polynesian language spoken primarily in the Independent State of Samoa and American Samoa. It’s part of the larger Austronesian language family, which includes many languages spoken across the Pacific region. Samoan has a rich cultural heritage and is an integral part of the Samoan identity and way of life.
Samoan language plays a crucial role in maintaining the cultural identity and traditions of the Samoan people. It’s a means of communication, a vehicle for cultural expression, and a way to pass down the values and stories of generations.
Beautiful Red Flower
If you’re looking for a Samoan name that embodies the idea of a beautiful red flower, you might consider names like “Masanialofa,” which combines “masani” (flower) with “alofa” (love) to convey the concept of a lovely red flower. As always, it’s a good idea to consult with native speakers or cultural experts to ensure accurate understanding and appropriate usage of the name.
Great Warrior
In Samoan, the term “great warrior” can be expressed as “sui tauā matā’itu’i.” However, creating a name with this meaning requires understanding the linguistic and cultural nuances of Samoan naming conventions. One approach could be to combine relevant words or elements to convey the idea of a great warrior. Here are a few suggestions:
- Sui’ita’iga: Combining “sui” (warrior) and “ita’iga” (greatness).
- Tauāmatā’itu’i: Combining “tauā” (warrior) and “matā’itu’i” (great).
- Afi’ita’iga: Combining “afi” (fire, symbolic of strength) and “ita’iga” (greatness).
- Mauga’au: Combining “mauga” (mountain, symbolic of strength) and “au” (warrior).
Remember, creating names involves a deep understanding of language, culture, and context. It’s always recommended to consult with native speakers or cultural experts to ensure that the name is both accurate and culturally appropriate.
The Name Samoa
“Samoa” is the name of a country in the Pacific Ocean, officially known as the Independent State of Samoa. It’s a Polynesian island nation with a rich cultural heritage and is famous for its stunning landscapes, vibrant traditions, and warm-hearted people.
Using “Samoa” as a unique name could be a meaningful choice, especially if you have a personal connection to the country or if you admire its culture and history. However, it’s important to consider that “Samoa” is primarily recognized as a geographical and political entity, and using it as a personal name might carry different connotations.
As with any name, it’s a good idea to research and understand the cultural and linguistic implications of using “Samoa” as a name, especially if it’s not a common practice within Samoan culture. Additionally, consulting with native speakers or cultural experts can provide valuable insights to ensure that the name is used appropriately and respectfully.
Honoring Your Culture and Family
When thinking of a great name for your new baby, honoring your culture or family is a great idea! A great way to honor your culture is by choosing a first name or middle name that is linked to your culture with a special meaning. You can also choose a name from another culture that you really love! There may be a very powerful name that you never even considered but once you hear it, you would love to use it for your child! You of course can choose an English name as well, but if you are stuck, going within your culture or another culture could be fun! There are adorable names within each culture so you don’t have to just stick to english-speaking countries!
I hope this baby name list of names of Samoan origin has helped you find the perfect choice for your baby boy or little princess! If you found your baby’s name on this list, leave a comment and let me know, that would make my day!
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Hi, I’m Jessica! I am wife to Chris, and mom to Kaiper, Alana and Koa. I am a graphic designer, website developer and aspiring author. In this space, I share about everything from parenting, working from home, food we cook, and lots of things for kids! Learn more about me here.