Meaning & History
Tamatoa is a name of Tahitian origin, meaning 'child warrior' (tama 'child' + toa 'warrior'). It is traditionally used in Polynesian cultures, particularly the Society Islands.
Tamatoa III (c. 1757–1831), who was king earlier and then reigned from 1820 to 1831;
Tamatoa IV (1797–1857), reigned 1831–1857;
Tamatoa V (1842–1881), who also ruled Tahaʻa;
and Tamatoa VI (1853–1905).
Teriivaetua Tamatoa (1869–1918), daughter of Tamatoa V, linked the dynasty to the Pōmare family.
Historical Significance
The Tamatoa Dynasty was the ruling family of the island of Raiatea, one of the principal islands in French Polynesia. Notable bearers include:Tamatoa III (c. 1757–1831), who was king earlier and then reigned from 1820 to 1831;
Tamatoa IV (1797–1857), reigned 1831–1857;
Tamatoa V (1842–1881), who also ruled Tahaʻa;
and Tamatoa VI (1853–1905).
Teriivaetua Tamatoa (1869–1918), daughter of Tamatoa V, linked the dynasty to the Pōmare family.
Notable Bearers
Beyond royalty, contemporary individuals include Tahitian footballers Tamatoa Tetauira (born 1996) and Tamatoa Wagemann (born 1980). John Tamatoa Baker (1852–1921) was a Hawaiian politician and businessman. The name also appears as the giant coconut crab in Disney's Moana (2016).- Meaning: child warrior
- Origin: Tahitian (Polynesian)
- Type: First name
- Usage: Tahitian
Sources: Wikipedia — Tamatoa