Find out how popular the first name Tonga has been for the last 12 years (from 1975 to 1986) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tonga by gender

Based on the last 12 years of data, Tonga is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1986, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tonga.

The history of the first name Tonga

The name Tonga is thought to have originated from the Tongan language, which is spoken in the Polynesian kingdom of Tonga, situated in the southern Pacific Ocean. It is believed to have been derived from the word "tonga," which means "south" or "southern" in the Tongan language.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Tonga can be found in the annals of the Tongan monarchy. Tonga Tui Tonga was a prominent ruler and the first documented holder of the prestigious Tui Tonga title, which designated the spiritual and cultural leader of the Tongan people. He is believed to have lived in the 10th century AD.

In ancient Polynesian mythology, Tonga was also the name of a powerful god associated with the sea and navigation. This deity was revered by seafaring Polynesian cultures, who relied heavily on the ocean for sustenance and travel.

The name Tonga has been borne by several notable figures throughout history. Tonga Ni'a, born in the 17th century, was a renowned Tongan chief and warrior who played a pivotal role in unifying the Tongan islands under a centralized monarchy.

Tonga Fusitu'a, who lived in the late 18th century, was a celebrated Tongan navigator and explorer. He is credited with rediscovering and resettling the islands of Niuafo'ou and Niuatoputapu, which had been abandoned for several centuries.

In more recent times, Tonga Tali'ofa'iga Tupou IV, who reigned from 1965 to 2006, was the King of Tonga and a respected leader who oversaw significant reforms and modernization efforts within the kingdom.

Another notable bearer of the name was Tonga Naku, a pioneering Tongan educator and advocate for women's rights in the early 20th century. She played a crucial role in establishing educational opportunities for girls in Tonga.

Despite its origins in the Tongan language and culture, the name Tonga has also been adopted and used in various other parts of the world, although its meaning and significance may vary across different contexts and cultures.

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

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

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