Find out how popular the first name Talei has been for the last 18 years (from 2007 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Talei by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Talei is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Talei.

The history of the first name Talei

The name Talei is believed to have originated from the Polynesian islands, specifically in the Samoan language. It is a relatively modern name, with its roots tracing back to the late 19th or early 20th century.

Talei is derived from the Samoan word "tale," which means "story" or "narrative." The addition of the letter "i" at the end of the name is a common practice in Samoan naming conventions, often used to create a melodic and harmonious sound.

While there are no known historical references to this name in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is believed to have gained popularity among Samoan communities as a way to celebrate their rich storytelling traditions and oral histories.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Talei can be found in Samoa during the early 20th century. Talei Maumaufili, born in 1912, was a renowned Samoan artist and practitioner of traditional tattooing. Her intricate tatau (tattoo) designs played a significant role in preserving and passing down this ancient art form to subsequent generations.

Another notable figure with the name Talei is Talei Luscia Mangakahia, born in 1996. She is a professional basketball player from Australia who played for the Syracuse Orange in the NCAA Division I and was later drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA.

In the literary world, Talei Lesa Lusitania, born in 1967, is a celebrated Samoan author and poet. Her works often explore themes of identity, culture, and the experiences of the Samoan diaspora.

Talei Tupou, born in 1988, is a Tongan-American former professional wrestler and actress. She competed in WWE under the ring name Nia Jax and was a former Raw Women's Champion.

Talei Leilua, born in 1981, is a former professional rugby league player who represented Samoa at the international level. He played for several clubs in the National Rugby League (NRL) competition, including the Sydney Roosters and the Wests Tigers.

While the name Talei may not have a long and storied history, its Polynesian roots and connection to storytelling traditions have contributed to its growing popularity in recent decades, particularly among Samoan and other Pacific Islander communities.

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

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

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