Shortly after the release of the movie “Moana,” the name Moana saw a surge in popularity. This is similar to many Tahitian names that carry beautiful meanings, likely attracting many prospective parents.
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Following the debut of the Disney animated film “Moana,” the name’s popularity skyrocketed, jumping from just 4 newborns named Moana in 2015 to 23 in 2016, and soaring to 113 in 2017. The film’s success has inspired many parents, and with the anticipation of “Moana 2,” the name is expected to charm many once again. Names like Mareva and Vaimalama, after former Miss Frances Mareva Galanter and Vaimalama Chaves, and Teheiura, known from the adventure reality show “Koh-Lanta,” highlight the appeal of Tahitian names. While some Tahitian names are well-known, others remain largely unfamiliar outside of Tahiti. However, these names are not only aesthetically pleasing but often carry deeply symbolic and poetic meanings. Some are even Tahitian adaptations of French names, introduced by missionaries who arrived on the island centuries ago.
List of Tahitian Female Names
Whether you wish to honor your heritage, give your daughter a unique name, or pay tribute to a cherished culture, you might consider a Tahitian name. For instance, the classic “Maeva,” means “welcome,” while other beautiful options include “Eeva” (the star that rises at night), “Mahana” (sun), “Moe” (dream), “Tahia” (beloved and pampered princess), “Uira” (lightning), “Poe” (pearl), “Moana” (ocean), and “Miti” (sea).
If you’re looking to add a touch of originality to a French name, consider its Tahitian counterpart, such as “Agnete” (Agnès), “Matira” (Madeleine), “Ruita” (Louise), “Tepora” (Deborah). The choices are numerous, including many short Polynesian names like “Hina,” “Vaima,” “Nahei,” “Maire,” “Iva,” “Jahai.”
Tahitian Male Names
The list of Tahitian names for boys is extensive. Favorites include “Moanaiti” (little ocean), “Ura” (red), “Raimanu” or “Raimano” (bird of the sky), “Tamaterai” (child of the sky), “Manea” (beautiful), and “Fenua” (land, territory, country).
Parents seeking a rare Tahitian male name will find a wealth of options in Polynesian names, which remain largely unknown and thus rarely used outside of Tahiti. Examples include “Anahoa,” “Tahirai,” “Viniura,” “Ruataata,” “Metani,” “Heifara,” and “Mana’arii.” As with female names, there are Tahitian versions of French names such as “Atamu” (Adam), “Atonio” (Antoine), “Ioana” (Jean), “Mareto” (Marc), and “Tavi” (David).
The Most Beautiful Meanings of Tahitian Names
Tahitian names often carry significant meanings. For instance, the male name “Ariihau” translates to “king of peace.” It’s not the only male name with a profound meaning; others include “Fara” (the pandanus plant), “Heimana” (powerful crown moving the sky), “Heimoana” (ocean’s crown), “Maevatau” (welcome wishes), “Mana’arii” (royal power), “Raihau” (peaceful sky), “Teïki” (the child king), and “Vaitea” (clear water).
Tahitian female names are equally meaningful, for example, “Ahutiare” (flower dress), “Heiura” (feather crown), “Heitiare” (flower crown), “Manuia” (health), “Mareva” (shooting star), “Poehere” (pearl of love), “Raihere” (beloved of the sky), and “Vaianu” (fresh water).
Mixed Tahitian names also have beautiful meanings, such as “Anuanua” (rainbow), “Heiarii” (royal crown), “Heiata” (cloud crown), and “Manutea” (white bird).
Rare and Modern Tahitian Names
Tahitian names are often unique since they are less known outside of Tahiti. For boys, consider names like “Anahoa,” “Aroarii,” “Eteroa,” “Fenua,” “Haunui,” and “Rotui.” For girls, lovely options include “Heepuenui,” “Hinatea,” “Iva,” “Manavaï,” “Mahana,” “Nahei,” and “Poerani.” If you prefer modern, gender-neutral names, “Naehu,” “Revanui,” “Tepea,” “Timeri,” and “Vanui” are trendy choices. The most recent Tahitian names are adaptations of English or French names, offering modern options like “Noa” for boys and “Atera” for girls.
It’s important to note that pronunciation in Tahitian can differ significantly from French, with specific sounds for letters like H, R, U, and E, and combinations like “ai” and “ei” producing unique sounds.
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