One of the things that are most celebrated and recognized about being an island nation, is by utilizing traditional names that have been passed down through generations. The concept of naming a child after a given ancestor is also very much upheld in Samoa. They say it’s a way to honor their family. But unfortunately many Samoan Warrior Names Still Remain in Modernization for the current generation by parents who want them to be more modern and trendy. These trends may include some different accents, or even shorten the name like “Joe”.
| Table of contents: Who are Samoan Warriors? Samoan Warrior Names for Boys Samoan Warrior Names for Girls Samoan Warrior Names which represents the culture Samoan Warrior Names originated from the Western Culture Summary |
Who are Samoan Warriors?
1. Many people look upon the Samoan Warrior like a savage. They are deceitful because they are known to be cunning and treacherous.
2. That’s why they live in the forest where the eyes of their enemies cannot see them.
3. They take their revenge upon their enemies by taking their women, children, and food. They don’t show any mercy to the enemy simply because they believe if someone attacks them, then attack back with full force.
4. They are brave, loyal and respected by other Samoan people. They have a very good sense of justice which they always keep. They know well how to take revenge on their enemies.
5. They are strong and muscular, but only because they spend a lot of time fighting.
6. They aren’t afraid to show off their courage if there is an enemy in front of them.
7. They are very strategic as well, thinking about their plans before executing them.
Samoan Warrior Names for Boys
The most common name that is still used in modern times is still the most popular one, “Valu”. However many parents are now using “Joe” as an alternative name. “Valu Joe” is gradually becoming the new trend, because it has more syllables and more positivity to it. Another name that is now being used frequently is “Levi”, which could also be shortened to “Levi-Tino”.
| Puleleiite | Aperamo Manaia | ‘Olofatu Lupe’ifafa’amua |
| Rangi | Leo | Raihaole |
| Valu | Tasi | Ralulau |
| Rurupena | Taumatao | Lauatitiifa |
| Tumua’iga | Taufa’amua | Lefaaluga |
| Taliga | Faalelei | Lefagio |
| Leualiaga i tagata o le Atua | Paulagi’saavetau | Iesu Papaitanui ‘usiaipulevai |
| Letaronu | Lelavulosi | Moliitisi |
| Tupunaa | Auseuatiuhana | Nafanua |
| Feilimotuaf | Tuvale | Tamati |
| To’ulafalei | Levea | Tautala |
| Tuipulotu | Sione | Talavou |
| Tamafaiga | Sione Feilimoana | Tuai’ioloa |
| Taofiofio | Uiaga | Ropati |
| Salevea | Tulafonoaga ‘uata’aualepau | Savaia |
Samoan Warrior Names for Girls
As for girls, the most popular name that has been passed down for generations is still the very first name on the list, which goes by the name “Sofia”. The new trend of names from more modern origins goes like this: “Amelia” and “Alena” are some of the more popular names that are starting to be used.
| Wiki | Leiloa | Laileselei |
| Pusa | Rakihipulotu | Lauliuao |
| Fakafani | Veimatagi | Levea Vaiadua |
| Moliitisi ‘uata’alepau | Sania | Sian |
| Lefaleiti Maumau ‘uata’alepau | Supperman | Musumalu |
| Slamasina | Makani | ‘Olena |
| ‘Olevona | Sione | ‘Olafetu |
| ‘Oliva | Namolio | Loviatu |
| Savaifua | Lilufia | Savaiina |
| Tuiofaga | Suafaoana’aua | Saripaki |
| Sofia ‘omelia’amao’o | Sofia ‘olena’inata ‘aiapoamsi’iilo | Sofia ‘olimata’ao’o |
| Sofia Pelefoana o Sosoino o Tamatoa | Savaikea | Tu’iva |
| Tupuna | Aufaga | Faoaivaoi’i |
| Falelei | Feilimotuafalei | Menti |
| Yesupuia o Mataikiaga o le Atua | Vinialaialuga i tagata o le Atua | Tuimalealiifano o Sosoino o Tamatoa |
| Faaleleiileoai’ia o le Atua | ‘Omosoamai | Voce |
| Mai | Vai’alepa | Villafana |
| Vai’elei | Vai’alava | Tuialofaaga o le Atua |
Samoan Warrior Names which represents the culture
Another name which has been used for many generations is the traditional name “Leilua”, which comes from the word “Na Lailai”. This name refers to a traditional Samoan tribe that lived on the western coast of Upolu island. The people were known to be fierce warriors and very spiritual in nature. They are often known by the title, “Sulupalauli” because of their expert marksmanship and warrior skills. Most notably, when visiting Samoa and Upolu island, visitors can see a building called “Tupuna Leilau” which means ‘Tupuna Monument’. The same word is often associated with the names given to warriors who have fought in battle.
| Pana | Sisifo | Suluama Savea |
| Lele Paea | Pitolua | Sivaafi |
| Fai Samoa | Sialeiva | Vai’alepa |
| Sulupalauli | Sialama | Vaituiga |
| Aivaloa | Siaosi | Sulufononoafoapu |
| Faatileoa | Fa’afetai | Sulufoumea |
| Sulupalauli Manu’atua’a | Saluvao | Fonotiiva |
| Fonoti’aga | Taualavu | Fesumaiu |
| Vaiovaoaga i tagata o le Atua | Fa’atau | Sulufoaonuailetoa i tagata o le Atua |
Samoan Warrior Names originated from the Western Culture
The most famous and recognized name which came from the Western culture is “Lolo”, which is said to have originated from the French word for “uncle”. This was brought by European traders on their voyages. The name has a history of many decades in Samoa and has been used by many other people. The word “Sulupalauli” also originates from France, thus explaining a little about how the two names might be connected.
| Fatafelei | Olofua Paea | Tasausaga |
| Ja’amaiaso | Fa’amoemoei’a | Toaliami |
| Talaula | Lolo Tamaisuai | Efateleiiau |
| Rosita Fofanaiva | Peletai Maru’afoaga ‘usiaipulevai | Ta’amu’aofaiga o le Atua |
| Moli ‘usiaipulevai | ‘Upuiaiga | Vasili |
| Tamaisuai | Fa’atupu’ailetoa | Soonafai |
Summary
The conclusion is that, even though the traditional names which have been passed down over generations may not be as popular now, they should be celebrated and recognized as they deserve. No matter what the modern view of them may be, these names have a history to honor and it is important that they never change. However, some of the names are still used in modern times but simply shortened. This is a common habit in many cultures and families around the world.