Tonga Naming Customs: Difference between revisions

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==Online Tools==
==Online Tools==
*[https://www.momjunction.com/baby-names/tongan/ '''125 Tongan Baby Names With Meanings''']
*[https://www.momjunction.com/baby-names/tongan/ '''125 Tongan Baby Names With Meanings''']
*[https://www.momjunction.com/baby-names/tongan/boy/ '''61 Tongan Baby Boy Names With Meanings''']
*[https://www.momjunction.com/baby-names/tongan/girl/ '''64 Tongan Baby Girl Names With Meanings''']
*[https://forebears.io/tonga/surnames '''Most Common Last Names in Tongan''']
==Surnames==
==Surnames==
*Tongan names are written with the '''first name followed by the surname'''. For example, Anitelu TAUMALOLO.
*Tongan names are written with the '''first name followed by the surname'''. For example, Anitelu TAUMALOLO.

Revision as of 22:05, 14 March 2021

Tonga Wiki Topics
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Beginning Research
Record Types
Tonga Background
Local Research Resources

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Understanding customs used in surnames and given names can help you identify your ancestors in records. Learn to recognize name variations and see clues in names.

Online Tools[edit | edit source]

Surnames[edit | edit source]

  • Tongan names are written with the first name followed by the surname. For example, Anitelu TAUMALOLO.
  • Surnames in Tonga not only reflect the family one belongs to but often indicate the village one comes from.
  • Surnames are passed down from previous generations along the father’s line of descent.
  • Certain names are only allowed to be given to members of the royal family.
  • Once a Tongan obtains a hereditary title, they will be referred to by that title and no longer by their given name. Such titles are usually for life, but the holder can be stripped of it if they commit a serious crime. In this case, they will return to their original name.[1]

Given Names[edit | edit source]

  • The origins of given names vary. For example, the name may have a Biblical reference or refer to objects (such as flowers), an event, ancestors, friends or famous people.[1]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Tongan Culture", at Cultural Atlas, https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/tongan-culture/tongan-culture-naming, accessed 14 March 2021.