Pacific Islander Baby Names

To celebrate Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May I am sharing a list of names from the cultures that make up Pacific Islanders. Pacific Islanders are peoples whose ancestral roots trace back to the original inhabitants of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. Within Polynesia, this includes Native Hawaiians (Hawaiʻi), Samoans (Samoa and American Samoa), Tokelauans (Tokelau), Tahitians (Tahiti), and Tongans (Tonga).

Shandy Perlman

5/14/20256 min read

Polynesian girl names are rich with natural beauty and deep spiritual meaning. Rooted in the elements of earth and sea, these names honor strength, grace, and cultural heritage. Discover some beautiful Polynesian girl names and the powerful meanings behind them:

Ailani – “High chief”; a name that represents leadership, honor, and noble strength.
Aleki – “Defender of man”; a powerful name symbolizing courage and protection.
Aloha – “Love” or “affection”; a gentle name evoking warmth, kindness, and connection.
Amara – “Grace” or “immortal”; a name that blends elegance with lasting beauty.
Anuhea – “Fragrant breeze”; symbolizing sweetness, calm, and natural beauty.
Arihi – “Noble”; a name that radiates dignity, grace, and inner strength.
Ayla – “Moonlight”; soft and luminous, evoking serenity and quiet power.
Halia – “Remembrance of a loved one”; a heartfelt name honoring memory and love.
Hina – “Goddess of the moon”; a divine name linked to beauty, wisdom, and lunar energy.

Hokulani – “Star of heaven”; a luminous name representing aspiration and hope.
Iolana – “To soar”; a spirited name symbolizing freedom, ambition, and rising potential.
Kahiau – “Generous”; a heartwarming name embodying kindness, giving, and warmth.
Kaia – “The sea”; a name of depth and freedom, reflecting fluidity and strength.
Kailani – “Sea and sky”; a serene name representing harmony, balance, and vast beauty.
Kalani – “The heavens”; a celestial name symbolizing spiritual elevation and grace.
Kale – “The bright one”; a radiant name reflecting brilliance, positivity, and joy.
Kalei – “The flower crown”; a poetic name representing beauty, celebration, and tradition.

Keahi - "The fire"; a name with spirit for a fiery child, not afraid to be who they are.
Kealohi – “The brightness”; a shining name full of positivity, clarity, and joy.
Keanu – “Cool breeze”; a tranquil name evoking calmness, serenity, and peaceful energy.
Kia – “To be strong”; a grounded name symbolizing resilience, courage, and fortitude.
Lani – “Heaven”; a graceful name that embodies connection to the divine and spiritual light.
Lehua – “A type of flower”; a rare and beautiful name symbolizing uniqueness and grace.
Leilani – “Heavenly flower”; a beloved name that blends divine beauty with floral elegance.
Lihau – “Misty”; a soft and soothing name representing tranquility and gentle presence.
Liko – “Bud”; a tender name symbolizing new beginnings, growth, and unfolding potential.
Maeva – “Welcome”; a warm and inviting name that symbolizes openness and hospitality.

Maili – “Gentle breeze”; a light-hearted name embodying ease, grace, and joyful spirit.
Malia – “Calm” or “peaceful”; a timeless name that radiates serenity and peace.
Marama – “Moon”; a name of shifting light, ever-changing yet always glowing.
Mele – “Song”; a joyful name that represents expression, happiness, and storytelling.
Moana – “Ocean”; a powerful name that embodies depth, mystery, and the spirit of the sea.
Moani – “Sweet breeze”; a name of calm and comfort, evoking gentle serenity.
Moemoe – “Dreamer”; a whimsical name symbolizing imagination, hope, and inner vision.
Mokihana – “A fragrant flower”; a name of grace and beauty, rooted in natural elegance.
Mokulele – “Little bird”; a light and free name symbolizing grace and freedom in flight.
Nalani – “Serenity of the heavens”; a peaceful name that reflects celestial calm.
Nanea – “Peaceful”; a tranquil name evoking serenity and a gentle heart.
Nani – “Beautiful”; a classic and graceful name full of charm and radiance.
Noelani – “Heavenly mist”; a soft and ethereal name symbolizing divine beauty.
Nohea – “Handsome” or “beautiful”; a name that honors charm, confidence, and presence.
Oli – “To chant”; a rhythmic name celebrating the sacred art of storytelling and tradition.
Pani – “To close”; a meaningful name representing wholeness, completion, and transition.
Pele – “Goddess of fire”; a fierce and passionate name embodying strength, creation, and transformation.

Penina - "Pearl", a bright light among the water, bringing love and light wherever she goes.
Pua – “Flower”; a simple and elegant name representing blossoming beauty and purity.
Puanani – “Beautiful flower”; a graceful name full of natural elegance and soft radiance.
Raina – “Queen”; a regal name symbolizing strength, leadership, and feminine power.
Rohini – “Star”; a guiding name that radiates hope, vision, and direction.
Tala – “Story” or “to tell”; a name honoring the power of narrative and memory.
Tia – “Aunt”; a familial name symbolizing love, connection, and nurturing spirit.
Tiare – “Flower”; a name full of tropical beauty, simplicity, and natural charm.
Uilani – “Heavenly brightness”; a radiant name that symbolizes light and spiritual clarity.
Vaea – “From the valley”; a peaceful name rooted in nature and tranquility.
Vania – “Bringer of peace”; a calming name symbolizing harmony, compassion, and serenity.
Waiola – “Water of life”; a nourishing name representing vitality, renewal, and flow.

Polynesian boy names carry a sense of strength and purpose, often reflecting qualities like bravery, wisdom, and resilience. These meaningful names honor both cultural heritage and personal character. Check out these strong contenders:

Aka – "Shadow," representing protection and guidance.

Alika – “Defender”; a strong and brave name symbolizing courage, protection, and unwavering loyalty.

Alohi – “Brilliant”; a luminous name that radiates intelligence, clarity, and inner light.

Amosa – “Gift of God”; a name full of grace and gratitude, representing divine blessings and love.

Eli – “Ascended” or “my God”; a sacred name reflecting spiritual elevation, faith, and deep connection.

Fetu – “Star”; a guiding light in the night sky, symbolizing hope, direction, and brilliance.

Haku – “To create”; an artistic name celebrating imagination, innovation, and the power to shape the world.

Hawani – “Calm sea”; a gentle and soothing name evoking peace, balance, and emotional serenity.

Hokulani – “Heavenly star”; a celestial name full of wonder, guiding dreams and aspirations toward the sky.

Ikaika – “Strong”; a bold and resilient name representing inner power, endurance, and unshakable spirit.

Kaimana – “Ocean power”; a majestic and deep name flowing with strength, mystery, and grace.

Kainoa – “The sea of freedom”; a name of adventure and openness, evoking wild horizons and bold journeys.

Kalani – “The heavens”; a lofty and spiritual name that honors divine connection and inner elevation.

Kale – “The bright one”; a radiant name bringing joy, optimism, and a shining presence.

Kanu – “To plant”; a grounding name rooted in growth, renewal, and the beauty of starting anew.

Keahi – “The fire”; a spirited name for a fiery soul, bold, passionate, and full of fierce individuality.

Keanu – “Cool breeze”; a peaceful and refreshing name whispering calm, clarity, and gentle strength.

Koa – “Warrior”; a fearless and noble name that honors bravery, honor, and resilient spirit.

Laki – “Luck”; a joyful and hopeful name inviting fortune, serendipity, and blessings.

Liko – “Bud”; a delicate name of beginnings, symbolizing potential, growth, and blossoming life.

Lono – “God of peace and agriculture”; a bountiful name representing harmony, fertility, and sacred balance.

Maka – “The eye”; a name of vision and wisdom, seeing with clarity and deep perception.

Makoa – “Brave”; a courageous and bold name, stepping forward with confidence and heart.

Malakai – “God’s messenger”; a hopeful and healing name that brings light, purpose, and divine truth.

Malama – “To take care”; a nurturing and compassionate name that embodies kindness, responsibility, and love.

Maleko – “Gift of God”; a heartfelt name expressing gratitude, wonder, and the joy of life’s blessings.

Malo – “To be safe”; a protective name offering comfort, peace, and a sense of strong security.

Mana – “Spiritual power”; an empowering name filled with energy, life force, and sacred strength.

Manaia – “Good spirit”; a joyful and uplifting name that shines with positivity and grace.

Nakoa – “Warrior”; a determined and strong name, born to face challenges with heart and valor.

Niko – “Victory of the people”; a proud and noble name symbolizing leadership, unity, and triumph.

Nui – “Great”; a mighty name of purpose and power, standing tall in strength and meaning.

Olakino – “Healthy”; a vibrant name radiating wellness, vitality, and a love of life.

Paki – “Wise”; a thoughtful and discerning name that honors intellect, insight, and understanding.

Raimana – “Peaceful”; a name that flows like a gentle river, bringing calm, harmony, and stillness.

Rangi – “Sky”; an open and limitless name soaring with freedom, dreams, and inspiration.

Riki – “King”; a strong and dignified name symbolizing leadership, courage, and noble presence.

Rongo – “God of peace”; a harmonious name honoring balance, gentleness, and sacred tranquility.

Sione – “God is gracious”; a faithful name filled with blessing, humility, and heartfelt spirit.

Tahi – “First”; a name of new beginnings, confidence, and stepping boldly into the unknown.

Talo – “Moon”; a soft and gentle name glowing with quiet strength, serenity, and subtle beauty.

Tama – “Son”; a rooted and familial name that honors heritage, love, and lasting legacy.

Tane – “Man”; a classic name of grounded strength, resilience, and masculine energy.

Teuila – “Red ginger flower”; a vibrant and unique name that blossoms with beauty, boldness, and flair.

Tua – “Back”; a supportive and steady name representing protection, strength, and being a pillar for others.

Tui – “King”; a regal name of wisdom, power, and noble leadership.

Uati – “Watchman” or “guardian”; a name of duty and protection, ever watchful with love and strength.

Ulu – “To grow”; a name of transformation and life, always reaching higher and blooming anew.

Ulukai – “To rise”; a name of ascent and ambition, lifting toward success, hope, and purpose.

Vaine – “Man” (in some Polynesian dialects); a dignified name reflecting grounded strength and inner power.

Wai – “Water”; a flowing and graceful name of adaptability, purity, and sacred life force.

Waka – “Canoe”; a journeying name full of discovery, movement, and sacred adventure.

A lot of these names came from this blog, but I’ve added some of my own and plan to keep updating the list as I find more I love.