Find out how popular the first name Sione has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sione by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Sione is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Sione being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 31 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Sione.

The history of the first name Sione

The name Sione has its origins in the Tongan language, spoken by the indigenous people of the Pacific island nation of Tonga. It is a masculine given name that dates back several centuries, with records indicating its use as early as the 16th century. The name is believed to be derived from the Tongan word "sio," which means "to see" or "to look."

The name Sione is closely associated with Tongan culture and tradition. It has been used by members of the Tongan royal family and nobility throughout history. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is Sione Fakanaiki, a prominent chief who lived in the late 16th century and played a significant role in the unification of the Tongan archipelago.

In the Christian tradition, the name Sione is often considered a variant of the Biblical name John, which has its roots in the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." This connection may have contributed to the adoption and popularity of the name among Tongan Christians after the arrival of Christian missionaries in the 19th century.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Sione. One of the most prominent was Sione Latukefu, a Tongan academic and historian who lived from 1925 to 2021. He was widely regarded as a leading authority on Tongan history and culture and served as the first Director of the Institute of Pacific Studies at the University of the South Pacific.

Another notable figure was Sione Filipe Tohi, a Tongan politician and diplomat who lived from 1923 to 2006. He served as the Prime Minister of Tonga from 1991 to 1999 and played a pivotal role in promoting democratic reforms in the country.

In the realm of sports, Sione Vailahi Mata'utia is a well-known name in rugby league. Born in 1996, he is a professional player who has represented both Australia and Tonga at the international level.

Sione Malietau Mangisi, born in 1953, is a prominent Tongan artist and sculptor known for his intricate wood carvings that reflect traditional Tongan motifs and themes.

Lastly, Sione Ngongo Kinikini, who lived from 1886 to 1962, was a Tongan theologian and scholar who contributed significantly to the translation of the Bible into the Tongan language.

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 Sione was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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