Samoan Last Names: A Guide to Traditional and Modern Surnames

Samoan last names, or "fa'afua" as they are known in the Samoan language, are an integral part of Samoan culture and identity. They are often passed down through generations, reflecting family lineage, ancestral heritage, and cultural values. This comprehensive list explores the diverse meanings behind these unique surnames, offering insights into the rich history and traditions of Samoa.
1. **Aiono:** A common Samoan surname, derived from the words "ai" (meaning "to eat") and "ono" (meaning "six"). It is often associated with a place or family who once resided in an area where six different types of food were abundant.
2. **Ala'ilima:** A name of noble descent, it means "the branch of the hand." It is often associated with a family line that has been respected and admired for its contributions to the community.
3. **Amosa:** A variant of the name "Amos," meaning "strong, mighty," or "burden." This surname is often associated with strength, resilience, and a sense of leadership.
4. **Anae:** This surname is derived from the words "ana" (meaning "cave") and "e" (meaning "of"). It suggests a family's connection to a particular cave or its surroundings.
5. **Apelu:** A surname derived from the Samoan word "pelu," meaning "to cover." It may signify a family's connection to a specific area or their role as protectors of their land.
6. **Asiata:** This name is derived from the Samoan word "Asi" meaning "to bring." It may indicate a family's role as traders, carriers, or those who brought new knowledge or skills to the community.
7. **Atoa:** This surname signifies "strength" and "power" in Samoan. It may reflect a family's history of bravery, resilience, or strength in the face of adversity.
8. **Auelua:** A surname derived from the Samoan word "uelua" meaning "to grow" or "to be abundant." It signifies a family's connection to agriculture, fertility, or abundance.
9. **Ava:** A surname derived from the Samoan word for "kava," a traditional drink that is central to Samoan culture. It may indicate a family's connection to the preparation or consumption of kava, or a role in a particular ceremony related to it.
10. **Fale:** A surname derived from the Samoan word "fale," meaning "house." It may indicate a family's connection to a particular house or its lineage, or it may symbolize a sense of home and belonging.
11. **Feao:** A surname that means "strong, mighty," or "courageous." It signifies a family's history of bravery, strength, and leadership.
12. **Fonoti:** This name is derived from the Samoan word "fono," meaning "meeting," and "ti" meaning "to stand." It may indicate a family's involvement in leadership, decision-making, or community gatherings.
13. **Folau:** This name is derived from the Samoan word "folau," meaning "to travel" or "to sail." It may suggest a family's history of exploration, migration, or seafaring.
14. **Fuiava:** A surname derived from the Samoan words "fui" (meaning "to follow") and "ava" (meaning "kava"). It may indicate a family's connection to kava traditions or a role in following a specific line of ancestry.
15. **Galea'i:** This surname signifies "to be victorious" or "to triumph." It may reflect a family's history of resilience, strength, or a victory in battle or other important event.
16. **Iosefa:** The Samoan version of the name "Joseph," meaning "God will increase." This surname often signifies a family's faith and belief in God's blessings.
17. **Latu:** This name is derived from the Samoan word "latu," meaning "king," "leader," or "chief." It signifies a family's connection to a lineage of leaders or chiefs.
18. **Leavai:** A surname derived from the Samoan word "leavai," meaning "to flow" or "to spread." It may suggest a family's connection to a river, stream, or the flow of knowledge and traditions.
19. **Leota:** This name signifies "the heart," often associated with a family's courage, strength, and passion. It may reflect a family's connection to the land, its community, or their heart's desires.
20. **Letoa:** A surname derived from the Samoan word "toa," meaning "warrior." It signifies a family's history of bravery, strength, and military prowess.
21. **Leupolu:** A surname that means "to be kind," "to be gentle," or "to be compassionate." It signifies a family's values of kindness, empathy, and care for others.
22. **Malo:** This name is derived from the Samoan word "malo," meaning "to be strong," "to be brave," or "to be powerful." It signifies a family's history of strength, courage, and leadership.
23. **Mata'afa:** This name is derived from the Samoan words "mata" (meaning "eye") and "afa" (meaning "to speak"). It may signify a family's role as observers, storytellers, or those who bring news and information to their community.
24. **Matalasi:** This name signifies "the strong one," "the powerful one," or "the warrior." It suggests a family's history of bravery, strength, and resilience.
25. **Maualaivao:** A surname derived from the Samoan words "maua" (meaning "to get," "to obtain") and "alaivao" (meaning "the high mountain"). It may indicate a family's connection to a specific mountain, their ability to overcome obstacles, or their position of authority.
26. **Moa:** This name is derived from the Samoan word "moa," meaning "chicken." It may indicate a family's connection to the raising of chickens, a specific place, or a symbol of fertility and growth.
27. **Moliga:** A surname derived from the Samoan word "liga" meaning "to join" or "to unite." It may suggest a family's role in bringing people together, or their connection to a specific place where communities unite.
28. **Mulipola:** A surname derived from the Samoan words "muli" (meaning "to follow") and "pola" (meaning "to be first"). It may indicate a family's role as leaders, pioneers, or those who follow a specific line of ancestry.
29. **Nafanua:** A legendary Samoan warrior goddess, this name signifies strength, courage, and power. It is often associated with a family's history of bravery or their connection to a place associated with this goddess.
30. **Nasi:** This name is derived from the Samoan word "nasi," meaning "to lead," "to guide," or "to direct." It suggests a family's role as leaders, mentors, or those who provide guidance to their community.
31. **Paepae:** A surname derived from the Samoan word "paepae," meaning "platform" or "stage." It may signify a family's connection to a specific place, their role as leaders, or their position of prominence within their community.
32. **Petesi:** This name is derived from the Samoan word "petesi," meaning "to be blessed," "to be favored," or "to be fortunate." It signifies a family's faith and belief in God's blessings, or their good fortune in life.
33. **Poutoa:** A surname derived from the Samoan words "pou" (meaning "pillar") and "toa" (meaning "warrior"). It signifies a family's strength, resilience, and leadership.
34. **Saili:** This surname is derived from the Samoan word "saili," meaning "to search" or "to seek." It may suggest a family's history of exploration, migration, or their role in finding new knowledge or resources.
35. **Seumanu:** A surname derived from the Samoan words "seu" (meaning "to walk") and "manu" (meaning "bird"). It may indicate a family's connection to a specific place, their role as messengers, or their ability to travel long distances.
36. **Sopoaga:** A surname that means "to be beautiful," "to be elegant," or "to be graceful." It signifies a family's values of beauty, grace, and refinement.
37. **Tala:** This name is derived from the Samoan word "tala," meaning "story," "legend," or "history." It suggests a family's role as storytellers, historians, or those who preserve their cultural heritage.
38. **Taula:** A surname derived from the Samoan word "taula," meaning "to be equal" or "to be fair." It signifies a family's values of justice, fairness, and equality.
39. **Taulapapa:** This name is derived from the Samoan word "taulapapa," meaning "to be a leader," "to be a chief," or "to be a ruler." It signifies a family's connection to a lineage of leaders or chiefs.
40. **Vaea:** A surname that means "to be strong," "to be powerful," or "to be brave." It signifies a family's history of strength, courage, and leadership.
41. **Va'ai:** A surname derived from the Samoan word "va'ai," meaning "to see," "to observe," or "to witness." It suggests a family's role as observers, witnesses, or those who provide insight into their community.
42. **Vaila'au:** A surname derived from the Samoan words "vai" (meaning "water") and "la'au" (meaning "tree"). It may indicate a family's connection to a specific place, their role in agriculture, or their connection to the natural world.
43. **Vaitautolu:** This name is derived from the Samoan words "vai" (meaning "water") and "tautolu" (meaning "three"). It may signify a family's connection to a place where three rivers meet, or a connection to a specific lineage.
44. **Vave:** A surname derived from the Samoan word "vave," meaning "to be fast," "to be swift," or "to be quick." It suggests a family's ability to move quickly, their agility, or their speed in achieving goals.
45. **Viliamu:** The Samoan version of the name "William," meaning "resolute protector," or "determined helmet." This surname signifies a family's strength, resilience, and protection of their community.
46. **Vui:** This surname is derived from the Samoan word "vui," meaning "to be happy," "to be joyful," or "to be content." It signifies a family's values of happiness, joy, and contentment.