Polynesian Baby Names

Reports OF the idyllic, carefree lifestyle of Polynesia eventually prompted missionary groups to travel to the islands. Finding the relaxed, uninhibited lifestyle heathenish, they attempted to impose a completely new social order and set about turning the Polynesians away from their native religions, ceremonies, dances, and other customs which had been the basis of their way of life for thousands of years. Today, although the majority of the people are now Christian, they have successfully revived many of their native traditions and island culture thrives once again. This mix of Christianity and traditional beliefs is reflected in the types of names found in Polynesia. Nature and aspects of daily living form the basis for most native names. Since many of these names are used for both males and females, several have been separated simply according to traditional Western thoughts of masculinity and femininity. Also in common use are island forms of Bible names. As in Hawaii, these names are altered to fit in with the sounds and alphabets of the Polynesian languages.