Have you ever wondered what magical names are born from the heart of the Pacific? Polynesian baby names offer a fascinating blend of cultural richness and nature’s beauty, reflecting the spirit of over 20,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean. From the serene waters of Tahiti to the lush lands of Hawaii, these names are steeped in heritage and brimming with meaning.
Polynesian names, like Moana (ocean) and Kai (sea), sound melodious and carry stories of gods, nature, and the spirited lands they hail from. They are perfect for parents looking for something unique, meaningful, and deeply connected to the wonders of the natural world.
As these names gain popularity, thanks to movies and increased cultural interest, more parents are turning to the Pacific Islands for inspiration. Explore our collection and find a name as unique as your little one.
If these enchanting Polynesian names have sparked your imagination, go through Western Last Names, Good Paladin Names, Irish Names, and Good Warrior Names for even more magical name ideas!
Best Polynesian Names And Meanings
Polynesian names, though often unfamiliar outside their native islands, are rich in symbolism and cultural heritage. Check out our extensive list of the best Polynesian boy names, each with its unique meaning, to help you find the perfect name for your little one.
- Akamu – Of the earth
- Alene – Precious; awakening; light; sun ray, shining light
- Alonna – Precious, awakening
- Aonani – Beautiful light
- Aulii – Delicious
- Haaheo – Cherished with pride
- Halia – Remembrance of a loved one
- Hilina’i – To believe
- Inoke – Devoted
- Iolani – To soar like the hawk
- Kahakuokahale – Marked house of crying out
- Kahananui – The great work
- Kaikoura – New Zealand place name
- Kalaine – The heavens, sky; royal one
- Kalei – One who works for the king
- Kanoa – The free one
- Kanoenalani – Unknown meaning
- Kapena – Captain
- Kawai – The waters
- Kehlani – Sea heavens
- Kekiokolanee – Funny, cool, honest, never gives a secret
- Kelekolio – Variant of Gregory
- Kelii – Chief
- Ki’eli – Heavenly garden
- Maleko – Variant of Mark
- Mano – Shark
- Meilani – Created name
- Nahele – Forest
- Nalanie – Heavens
- Noelani – Mist of heaven
- Nohea – Handsome
- Nuʻuanu – Cool heights
- Oleen – Joyous
- Olina – Joyous
- Palani – Free man
- Peneki – Form of Bennett
- Peniamina – Form of Benjamin
Cool Tropical Names
Cool Tropical Names carry the essence of paradise, capturing the energy of sun-kissed beaches, lush rainforests, and tranquil blue waters. Our selection of names highlights the spirit of exotic islands and warm breezes, perfect for those seeking a name that radiates laid-back charm and tropical allure. Explore these refreshing and distinctive names to find the perfect one that brings a touch of the tropics to everyday life.
- Aulani – King’s Messenger
- Kahakuokahale – Marked house of crying out
- Kailea – Babydoll
- Kaleo – Sound
- Kameo – The one (and only)
- Kanani – The beautiful one
- Kapono – Righteous
- Kauʻi – Youthful beauty
- Keaka – Of the shadows
- Kealaalohi – One Shining Path
- Kinipela – Wave
- Ki’eli – Heavenly garden
- Lanna – Precious, awakening
- Malia – Of the sea
- Malo – Winner
- Maui – The trickster god
- Melya – Plumeria
- Miliani – Gentle caress
- Nainoa – Namesake
- Nalu – Wave
- Palila – Bird
- Peneki – Form of Bennett
- Peni – Variant of Ben
Tropical Girl Names
- Ailani – High chief
- Aleynah – Precious; awakening
- Aleyne – Precious, awakening
- Aloha – Love or compassion
- Alonna – Precious, awakening
- Haumea – Goddess of childbirth
- Kaiah – Form of Kaia
- Kailani – Sea, sky
- Kalaine – The heavens, sky; royal one
- Kaponianani – Beautiful anointed one
- Kaylani – Sea heavens
- Keani – Blow softly as a breeze
- Kehaulani – Dew from the sky
- Khai – Ocean
- Kina – China
- Laka – Goddess of forest growth
- Louanna – Enjoyment
- Louanne – Enjoyment
- Luanda – Enjoyment
- Luannah – Enjoyment
- Luann – Enjoyment
- Malani – Created name
- Malina – Peace
- Maluhia – Peace
- Melia – Plumeria
- Moanna – Ocean
- Nalani – Serenity of the skies
- Napua – The Flowers
- Oke – Deer lover
- Oleen – Joyous
- Olina – Joyous
- Pele – The fire goddess
Tropical Boy Names
- Alaula – Light of Dawn
- Aulani – King’s Messenger
- Hailama – Form of Hiram
- Iakopo – Form of Jacob
- Inoke – Devoted
- Iokepa – Variant of Joseph
- Iwalani – Heavenly Seagull
- Kahananui – The great work
- Kaimi – The seeker
- Kainalu – Wavy sea
- Kaipo – Sweetheart
- Kalani – The heavens, sky; royal one
- Kalei – One who Works for the King
- Kamea – Precious One
- Kanoa – The free one
- Kapena – Captain
- Kauai – Garden island
- Keoki – Alive
- Konala – World ruler
- Kona – Leeward
- Lani – Heaven or Chief
- Mahoe – Twin
- Maikaʻi – Good
- Makoa – Bold one
- Mana – Spirit
- Manu – Bird
- Maui – The trickster god
Pacific Islander Names
Whether inspired by the serene waters, majestic mountains, or ancestral legends, Pacific Islander names bring a sense of heritage and enchantment. Check out our list and let these names infuse your child’s life with the warmth and wonder of island traditions.
- Alleen – Precious; precious; awakening; light
- Anuhea – Cool fragrance
- Aolani – Cloud from Heaven
- Aonani – Beautiful light
- Feleti – Name from Tonga
- Haumea – Goddess of childbirth
- Iakopa – Form of Jacob
- Ikaika – Strong
- Ioane – Variant of John
- Iokepa – Variant of Joseph
- Iokina – God will Develop
- Iosua – Form of Joshua
- Kahale – The house
- Kahiau – To Give Generously with the Heart
- Kai – Sea
- Kapena – Captain
- Kaponianani – Beautiful anointed one
- Kapule – Prayer; magic
- Kaulana – Illustrious; famed
- Keahi – Flames, Fire
- Keiki – Child
- Kuuleilani – Unknown
- Laakea – Sacred light
- Lakalo – Form of Lazarus
- Lalani – Heavenly lei; royal child of heaven
- Lanny – Precious, awakening
- Maikaikeakua – Way of the white sea back
- Maikaʻi – Good
- Makelina – Woman of Magdala
- Makoa – Bold one
- Malana – Buoyant, light
- Moke – Born of
- Nalanee – Serenity of the skies
- Nalu – Wave
- Talei – Precious
- Wilama – Form of William
Cute Polynesian Boy Names
- Hailama – Form of Hiram
- Inoke – Devoted
- Ioane – Variant of John
- Kahale – The house
- Kahananui – The great work
- Kaipo – Sweetheart
- Kaulana – Illustrious; famed
- Kawai – The waters
- Kealaalohi – One Shining Path
- Kelekolio – Variant of Gregory
- Kona – Leeward
- Laakea – Sacred light
- Lahahana – Bright-headed
- Maiele – Eloquent, skilled in speaking
- Maikaikeakua – Way of the white sea back
- Maleko – Variant of Mark
- Mana – Spirit
- Mikala – Form of Michael
- Nakoa – Brave
- Palila – Bird
- Peni – Variant of Ben
- Tane – Man; Hawaiian deity
Strong Polynesian Names Male
- Konane – Glow like moonlight
- Lahahana – Bright-headed
- Lakalo – Form of Lazarus
- Lannie – Precious, awakening
- Lilo – Generous one
- Lou-Ann – Enjoyment
- Mahoe – Twin
- Makani – The wind
- Makelina – Woman of Magdala
- Makenna – Abundance
- Milani – Gentle Caress
- Nalanie – Heavens
- Noe – Mist of heaven
- Oke – Deer lover
- Onaona – Sweet Smell
- Pika – Form of Peter
Unique Polynesian Names
- Alonna – Precious, awakening
- Aroha – Love
- Aulani – King’s Messenger
- Hali’a – Remembrance of a loved one
- Hawaii – Homeland
- Iolana – To soar like the hawk
- Kailea – Babydoll
- Kaleah – The flower wreath; the beloved
- Kalea – The flower wreath; the beloved
- Kaleo – Sound
- Kanoe – Gentle Mist
- Kanoenalani – Unknown
- Kehaulani – Dew from the sky
- Keikiokalani – Child of heavens
- Keilana – Glory; calmness
- Khai – Ocean
- Lanny – Precious, awakening
- Lenai – Porch
- Louanna – Enjoyment
- Mahina – Moon, moonlight
- Makaio – Form of Matthew
- Makelina – Woman of Magdala
- Melya – Plumeria
- Nalanie – Heavens
- Nana – Star
- Okalani – Heaven
- Oleen – Joyous
- Oleen – Joyous
- Ululani – Inspired by heaven
Wrapping Up
Polynesian names are rich in culture and beauty, reflecting the deep connections to the islands and their traditions. These unique and meaningful names are often inspired by nature and mythology. We hope you love these names and that they bring a touch of island magic to your little one’s life.