140+ Common Samoan Surnames and What They Mean

Samoan last names have deep ties to Samoan heritage and traditions. Some surnames are associated with family connections, royal titles, villages, and occupational roles, while others have Western origins due to European colonization. In this article, we’re listing a variety of Samoan surnames, from the most common to the more unique ones. Plus, the meanings behind each one!

Popular Samoan Surnames & Their Meanings

Ah Mu: “To protect”
Asiata: “To bring”
Faamausili: Unknown/rare
Faumuina: “To be blessed”
Arihi: “Noble and kind”
Brown: “Son of Brun”
Elei: Refers to an art in Samoa called “elei”

Section 1 of 8:

The Most Common Samoan Last Names

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The most common Samoan surnames include Asiata, Mauga, and Gala. The meanings behind these last names vary widely. Some are descriptive, while others refer to people and places. The following list contains last names that many Samoan families have:
- Ah Mu: “To protect”
- Asiata: “To bring”
- Faamausili: Unknown/rare
- Faumuina: “To be blessed”
- Fuiava: Connected to traditional kava ceremonies
- Mauga: “Mountain”
- Moliga: “Joining”; refers to community
- Puipui: “Protector”
- Tualauta: “Western lands”
- Chappelow: “Hill” or “mound”
- Elenoa: “Bright light”
- Faafafa: A community name
- Gala: “A person from Gaul”
- Seufale: “Come home”
- Agi: Unknown
- Ah Liki: Unknown
- Vaiala: Possibly the name of a Samoan village
- Vaega: “Bright star”; Samoan village
- Ufuti: Unknown
- Tulafale: “Advisor” or “debater”
- Too: “Hot water”; Chinese origin
- Tamaroa: “Cut tail”; refers to a wild cat
- Taaga: “Unstable wagon”; popular in American Samoa
- Sunia: “Chisel”
- Safotu: Samoan village
- Nomura: “Village in the field”; Japanese origin
- Mele: “Honey”
- Lui: “Thunder”; Chinese origin
- Liu: “Battle axe:’ Chinese origin

Section 2 of 8:

Popular Samoan Last Names

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Popular Samoan surnames hold a special place in the culture. More than just a last name, many of them are lively and vibrant and full of wonder. Names like Fapuleai, meaning “gift from God,” and Teuila, which means “beautiful red flower,” capture the beauty of Samoan culture. Take a look at more of these popular last names:
- Arihi: “Noble and kind”
- Brown: “Son of Brun”
- Elei: Refers to an art in Samoa called “elei”
- Enoha: Name of a Tahitian bird
- Fapuleai: “Gift from God”
- Fruean: Old Samoan last name
- Grey: Refers to gray hair color
- Keil: Inspired by astronomer John Keill
- Kiana: “One who is heavenly”
- La’ei: “Love of clothing”
- Laki: “Lucky”
- Lanuola: “Color life”
- Lulu: “Pearl”
- Manaia: “Beautiful” or “good”
- Mariner: “Sailor” or “ship man”
- Samaria: “A good samaritan”
- Samo: Derives from “Sinasamoa,” which means “white sands of Samoa”
- Teuila: “Beautiful red flower”
- Vaai: “Behold”
- Wiki: “Someone who is a winner”
- Mele: “Song”
- Moana: “Sea”

Section 3 of 8:

Powerful Samoan Last Names

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Some Samoan surnames are tied to titles and high-ranking lineage. Leaders, warriors, and royalty were highly respected, so these surnames carry a lot of significance and power. Many refer to chiefs, kings, and Matai titles. Take a look:
- Aiono: “Chief”
- Aitonui: “Warrior”
- Ariihere: “King of love”
- Alofaituli: “Son of the chief”
- Faleafa: “House of the King”
- Fuimaono: “Chief’s house”
- Leota: A Matai title
- Mata'afa: “Eyes of the King”
- Satele:”Leadership”
- Taito: “A chief’s title”
- Tuala: High-ranking Matai title
- Ala: "Excellence" or “high-ranking”
- Helarii: “Crown”
- Liloa:”Great leader”
- Malietoa:”Warrior king”
- Puletua: “Leader” or “authority”
- Matalasi: The warrior”
- Malo: “To be powerful”
- Galea'i: “To triumph”
- Yun: “Governer”
- Ariitea:”Prince”
- Akela: “Noble”

Section 4 of 8:

Unique Samoan Last Names

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Rare Samoan last names include Kala, Rangi, and Tamaroa. Not many families carry these names, but they’re still important. The themes behind these surnames range, and some are linked to nature, spirituality, or physical characteristics. The following list contains surnames you likely won’t come across often:
- Honi: “Gracious”
- Kala: “Sun”
- Mahana: “Moon-like”
- Manahau: “Wise spirit” or “spirit of wisdom”
- Manea: “Beautiful”
- Rangi: “God of the sky”
- Tamaroa: “Big boy”
- Vaea: Refers to the mountain that overlooks Apia’s capital city
- Farahinano: “The flower of Pandanus”
- Hauata: “Cloud of peace”
- Heiani: “Crown of the sky”
- Hauora:”Healthy”
- Kylie: “Beautiful”
- Ioane: May derive from the name “John”
- Natia: “Hidden treasure” or “secret”
- Tilo: “Stargazer” or “to look around”
- Tua: “Rural area” or “outside”
- Saunoa: “To speak”
- Misipaka: “Mister Parker”; refers to the name of a colonist trader
- Anesi: “Peace” or “tranquility”
- Pule: “Authority”
- Samoa: “Sacred”
- Tupua: “Godly”
- Fatialofa: Unknown
- Hauora: Refers to Maori philosophy
- Kari: “Blessed”
- Maualaivao: “To get the high mountain”
- Folau: “To travel”
- Zedi: “Grandfather”
- Sagole: A Samoan tree

Section 5 of 8:

Famous Samoan Last Names

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The most famous Samoan surnames include Apa, Faitele, and Vaea. These are surnames proudly carried by notable and respected entertainers, athletes, and artists. Check out the following list, and see if you recognize any of these public figures:
- Anoa'i: Dynasty of professional wrestlers
- Apa: “Copper metal”; last name of New Zealand-Samoan actor KJ Apa
- Faitele: An ancestral name with ancient history
- Elisara: Last name of famous Samoan footballer Pita Elisara
- Afoa: Last name of Olympic swimmer Evelina Afoa
- Vaea: Last name of Samoan rugby player Tuala Mathew Vaea
- Tupuola: Surname of rugby player Marcus Tupuola
- Te’o: Last name of American footballer Daniel Te’o-Nesheim and New Zealand rugby player Ben Te’o
- Leota: Last name of former Samoan rugby player Trevor Leota
- Savelio: Last name of New Zealand-based Samoan rapper Savage
- Ala’alatoa: Last name of successful international rugby players Vili and his son Allan
- Anae: Last name of Olympic gold medalist in water polo, Tuma Anae
- Leremia: Last name of notable choreographer Neil Leremia
- Fepulea’i: Last name of actor and comedian Tofiga Fepulea’i

Section 6 of 8:

Western-Influenced Samoan Last Names

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When Samoa was colonized by the Europeans, some families adopted Western surnames. These last names are not native to Samoan culture but come from various countries across Europe, including Scotland, Germany, Spain, and many others. Here are some Western-inspired Samoan last names:
- Williams: “Descendant of William”
- Young: Unknown meaning; Irish origin
- Jones: “Son of John”; English/Welsh origins
- Hunt: Related to hunting; English origin
- Mabel: Unknown meaning; English origin
- Meredith: “Great ruler”; Welch origin
- Ott: “Wealth” or “prosperity”; German origin
- Paul: “Humble” or “small”; Latin origin
- Pereira: “Pear tree”; Portuguese origin
- Peters: “Rock”; English origin
- Rasmussen: “Rasmus’ son”; Danish/Norwegian origins
- Retzlaff: “Battle Glory”; Slavic origin
- Shuster: “Maker or repairer of shoes”; German origin
- Smith: Unknown meaning; English/Scottish origins
- Thompson: “Son of Thom”; Scottish/English origins
- Westerlund: “Western grove”; Swedish/Danish origins
- Collins: “Son of Nicholas”; Irish origin
- Betham: Unknown meaning; English origin
- Brown: Unknown meaning; English origin
- Danielson: “Son of Daniel”; Scandinavian origin
- Lutu: “Little”; English origin
- Leiato: “Sourdough”; Italian origin
- Gilchrist: “Servant of Christ”; Scottish origin
- Hale: Unknown meaning; English origin
- Wright: “Worker of wood”; English origin

Section 7 of 8:

History Behind Samoan Last Names

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Last names weren't originally a part of Samoan culture or tradition. People were given just one name, typically descriptive of who they were. Sometimes, titles and other names were added later in life. Surnames were introduced to Samoan culture with the arrival of Europeans and Christianity to the islands. However, there’s no standard way to give last names. Many families simply take their parents' first names and use them as surnames. Others choose to adopt last names associated with their lineage, indigenous roots, ancestry, or European heritage.^{[1]
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