Samoa Naming Customs

Online Tools

 * Behind the Name: Samoan Surnames
 * Behind the Name: Samoan Given Names
 * The 100 Samoan Last Names With Meanings And History

Given Names
The meaning of a given name is important when naming a child in the Samoan community:
 * personal traits: Malosi (strong), Umi (tall), Vave (fast), Faiaivale (foolish)
 * religious: Toefuata’igaoletalalelei (restoration of the Gospel)
 * events: Dodiana (this name was created to commemorate Dodi Fayed and Princess Diana's death)
 * objects: Tala (dollar)
 * animals: Maile (dog)
 * descriptive: Leilani (heavenly flower)
 * traditional: Pua’a’elo (this was the name of a Samoan high chief)

For Further Reading

 * A GUIDE TO NAMES AND NAMING PRACTICES, UK Names Guide