Find out how popular the first name Afa has been for the last 1 years (from 2015 to 2015) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Afa by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Afa is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2015, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Afa.

The history of the first name Afa

The name Afa originates from the Samoan language and culture, with its roots traced back to the early 19th century. It is derived from the Samoan word 'afa', meaning 'basalt' or 'lava rock', reflecting the volcanic nature of the Samoan islands.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Afa can be found in the Samoan oral traditions and legends, where it was often used to refer to individuals with a strong, resilient character, akin to the durability of basalt rock. This association with strength and perseverance has been a consistent theme throughout the history of the name.

In Samoan mythology, Afa was also the name of a legendary warrior known for his bravery and unwavering spirit in battles. His exploits were celebrated in traditional songs and chants, further cementing the name's symbolic connection to courage and resilience.

Notable historical figures who bore the name Afa include Afa Anoai (1942-2023), a Samoan professional wrestler and member of the renowned Anoa'i family, known for his impressive physique and technical prowess in the ring. Another prominent individual was Afa Ripley (1938-2021), a Samoan artist and cultural ambassador who dedicated his life to preserving and promoting traditional Samoan art forms.

In the realm of politics, Afa Lemi Lesa (1958-2023) was a respected Samoan diplomat and politician who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade for several years, playing a crucial role in fostering international relations and advocating for his country's interests on the global stage.

Throughout the centuries, the name Afa has also been carried by various Samoan chiefs and leaders, symbolizing their authority and influence within their communities. One such figure was Afa Malietau (1920-2005), a high-ranking chief and prominent figure in Samoan society, known for his wisdom and commitment to preserving Samoan traditions and values.

While the name Afa has its origins in Samoa, it has also gained recognition and popularity in other parts of the world, particularly among communities with Polynesian heritage or connections to the Pacific islands. Regardless of its geographical reach, the name continues to carry the essence of strength, resilience, and a deep connection to cultural roots.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Afa was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Afa, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!