Polynesian Last Names: A Guide to Their Meaning and Origin

Polynesian last names are a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, often reflecting the history, traditions, and beliefs of their bearers. These names are not merely identifiers but carry deep meaning, providing insights into the families and islands from which they originate. This comprehensive list explores a range of Polynesian surnames, offering a glimpse into their diverse meanings and origins, spanning across the islands of Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and more.
1. **Aiono:** This Samoan name signifies "the one who is strong."
2. **Aita:** This Hawaiian name means "to love" or "to cherish."
3. **Akana:** This Hawaiian name can refer to "the place of the banana tree" or "the place of the canoe."
4. **Ale:** This Samoan name means "the sea" or "the ocean."
5. **Ali:** This Hawaiian name signifies "the chief" or "the leader."
6. **Alo:** This Samoan name means "the love" or "the affection."
7. **Amosa:** This Samoan name signifies "the one who is chosen" or "the one who is blessed."
8. **Ana:** This Hawaiian name means "the beloved one" or "the precious one."
9. **Anu:** This Samoan name signifies "the one who is wise" or "the one who is knowledgeable."
10. **Apelu:** This Samoan name means "the one who is humble" or "the one who is meek."
11. **Aporo:** This Samoan name signifies "the one who is strong" or "the one who is powerful."
12. **Ariki:** This Tahitian name signifies "the chief" or "the leader."
13. **Aukai:** This Hawaiian name means "the one who sails" or "the navigator."
14. **Ava:** This Samoan name signifies "the name" or "the title."
15. **Avivi:** This Hawaiian name means "the one who is cheerful" or "the one who is happy."
16. **Fa'atau:** This Samoan name signifies "the one who is generous" or "the one who is charitable."
17. **Faumuina:** This Samoan name means "the one who is kind" or "the one who is compassionate."
18. **Feiloai:** This Tongan name signifies "the one who is beloved" or "the one who is cherished."
19. **Fiti:** This Fijian name means "the one who is from Fiji."
20. **Folau:** This Tongan name signifies "the one who is strong" or "the one who is brave."
21. **Haku:** This Hawaiian name signifies "the king" or "the ruler."
22. **Halo:** This Hawaiian name means "the halo" or "the crown."
23. **Heke:** This Māori name signifies "the one who descends" or "the one who comes down."
24. **Hohepa:** This Hawaiian name means "Joseph" or "the one who God will add."
25. **Iosefa:** This Samoan name signifies "Joseph" or "the one who God will add."
26. **Ioka:** This Samoan name means "the one who is from Iowa."
27. **Kamanawa:** This Tongan name signifies "the one who is patient" or "the one who is calm."
28. **Keawe:** This Hawaiian name means "the one who is strong" or "the one who is powerful."
29. **Keli'i:** This Hawaiian name signifies "the chief" or "the leader."
30. **Kimo:** This Hawaiian name means "the one who is patient" or "the one who is calm."
31. **Lani:** This Hawaiian name signifies "the sky" or "the heaven."
32. **Lelei:** This Samoan name means "the one who is beautiful" or "the one who is lovely."
33. **Leota:** This Samoan name signifies "the one who is from Leota."
34. **Lono:** This Hawaiian name signifies "the god of agriculture" or "the god of fertility."
35. **Maile:** This Hawaiian name means "the fragrant vine" or "the garland."
36. **Malo:** This Samoan name signifies "the one who is respected" or "the one who is honored."
37. **Manono:** This Samoan name means "the island of Manono."
38. **Matau:** This Samoan name signifies "the one who is wise" or "the one who is knowledgeable."
39. **Maui:** This Hawaiian name signifies "the demigod of the islands."
40. **Moana:** This Hawaiian name means "the ocean" or "the sea."
41. **Moana:** This Hawaiian name signifies "the one who is from the ocean."
42. **Mulipola:** This Samoan name means "the one who is from Mulipola."
43. **Nakoa:** This Hawaiian name signifies "the warrior" or "the fighter."
44. **Nalu:** This Hawaiian name means "the wave" or "the surf."
45. **Nia:** This Samoan name signifies "the one who is from Nia."
46. **Ofa:** This Tongan name means "the love" or "the affection."
47. **Paia:** This Hawaiian name means "the place of the papaya tree."
48. **Palaima:** This Tongan name signifies "the one who is from Palaima."
49. **Pani:** This Hawaiian name means "the one who is from Pani."
50. **Poutoa:** This Tongan name signifies "the one who is from Poutoa."
51. **Raimoana:** This Samoan name means "the one who is from the ocean."
52. **Satele:** This Samoan name signifies "the one who is from Satele."
53. **Taufa:** This Tongan name means "the one who is strong" or "the one who is brave."
54. **Taula:** This Samoan name signifies "the one who is from Taula."
55. **Te'o:** This Samoan name means "the one who is from Te'o."
56. **Tialavea:** This Samoan name signifies "the one who is from Tialavea."
57. **Tu'i:** This Tongan name signifies "the king" or "the ruler."
58. **Ulu:** This Samoan name means "the head" or "the leader."
59. **Vailoatai:** This Samoan name signifies "the one who is from Vailoatai."
60. **Vili:** This Samoan name means "the one who is from Vili."