Holding steady.
Popularity of Tonga since 1953
Babies named Tonga per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 13 |
| 1960s | 100 |
| 1970s | 41 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Tonga is an exceedingly rare given name in the United States. It first appeared in Social Security records in 1953, and its peak usage came in 1968, yet even during that year it never approached the top 1,000. The name has maintained a stable trajectory with virtually no change in its low frequency. Given its association with the Pacific island nation, Tonga is a geographical name that evokes a faraway place. Its absence from any top states reflects its minimal usage nationwide. Parents choosing Tonga today are likely drawn to its exotic sound and cultural resonance, but it remains a truly uncommon choice.
The name Tonga is most likely derived from the Polynesian root *tonga, meaning 'south' or 'southern', which appears in many Austronesian languages. It is also the name of a Polynesian kingdom and archipelago in the South Pacific. As a given name, it saw rare usage in the United States in the mid-20th century, likely inspired by the country's name rather than a traditional naming practice.
Sibling names for Tonga
Names that share Tonga's style, for a brother or sister.
