Fijian name
Encyclopedia
Naming conventions in Fiji
differ greatly, both between and within ethnic groups in Fiji. Indigenous Fijians
have a set of cultural practices which today are more loosely followed, and to some extent blended with elements of European culture with regard to names. In the Indian community
, traditional Indian naming practices co-exist with influence from the Fijian and European cultures.
Indigenous Fijians
The use of surname
s is not traditional in Fijian culture
. In recent years, it has become more common, but remains far from universal. Whether to have a surname, and if so, whether to use it, are very much a matter of personal preference. One's last name is not always, therefore, a surname.
The majority of Fijians have two given name
s, a Christian name taken usually from the Bible, and a traditional name. A child may be baptized or registered with a surname, usually derived from the father's traditional given name. It is not unusual for persons baptized with surnames to discard them; some reclaim them later in life, and some who did not originally have one may later adopt their father's traditional name as a surname. It is not unheard of for Fijians to be known by different names at different stages of their lives.
, for example, was known as Sitiveni Ligamamada in his earlier days as a rugby player. Another notable example is George Speight
, the instigator of a coup d'état
in 2000, who contested the subsequent election
under the name of Ilikimi Naitini. He did not need to change his name by deed poll
; he only had to register his candidacy with his surname and English given name omitted. Maciu Navakasuasua
, a convicted accomplice of Speight's, revealed on 28 October 2005 that he had emigrated to Australia and avoided a blacklist against his name by using his grandfather's surname, which was registered on both his birth certificate and his passport.
Given the non-universal use of surnames, it is not uncommon for several members of a family all to bear different last names. Well known examples include Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
(the Minister for Foreign Affairs
) and his brother, Ratu Tu'uakitau George Cokanauto
, whose father was Ratu Sir Edward Cakobau
, who was considered one of modern Fiji's founding fathers.
Many Fijians who do not have surnames register their children with their own traditional given name as a surname. Well known examples include the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara
, Fiji's longtime Prime Minister and President, whose children are surnamed Mara, though it was his given name, not his surname as most foreigners wrongly suppose. Speaker Nailatikau has likewise passed his given name on to his children as a surname.
President Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda
, better known simply as Ratu Josefa Iloilo, is an example of a Fijian who has a surname, but does not generally use it, except for legal purposes. Iloilo, the name by which he is generally known, which most non-Fijians mistakenly assume to be his surname, is thus a diminutive of his second given name. This shortening of names is another common Fijian custom; another notable example of this phenomenon is current rugby star Rupeni Caucaunibuca
, widely referred to both inside and outside Fiji as Caucau.
Fijians of chiefly
rank use titles with their names. In most parts of Fiji, the title used by male chiefs is Ratu; the female equivalent is Adi
. In Rewa Province, the local dialect
substitutes Ro for both titles. In the Lau Archipelago, male and female chiefs are both styled Roko, while in Kadavu Island and western areas female chiefs are titled Bulou. The title is used immediately before the name, or before another title (e.g., Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Ratu Dr. Epeli Nailatikau
). However, it follows military titles (e.g., Brigadier-General Ratu Epeli Ganilau
).
Joni Madraiwiwi
, who served as Vice-President
from 2004 to 2006. Joni is the Fijian rendering of John. Madraiwiwi, which means "sour bread," was passed on from his grandfather, also Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi
. The elder Madraiwiwi was named by his father, Ratu Mara Kapaiwai
(a namesake, not an ancestor, of the modern Ratu Mara), who was facing execution and eating his last meal. Even the taste of bread had turned sour to him, hence the naming of his son.
Not all children were named for such dramatic events. Some names Like Naivalurua, or "two wars", came about because his father had fought in two separate campaigns in battle. Tanoa Senibua was named for the "fragrance of the Bua" flower which was in the air surrounding the child's birth place, and "Tanoa" as the father of the child was drinking Yaqona from a Tanoa when he received the news his son was born and thus the name "Tanoa Senibua". A set protocol would be followed for the naming, but protocol is less strictly adhered to in this modern era.
The names of Fiji Islanders of India
n ancestry provide clues to an individual's religion and caste
, and to what part of India their ancestors came from. Muslim
s very often have names taken from the Koran, while Sikhs
are almost invariably surnamed Singh
(if male) or Kaur
(if female). Contrary to a common misconception, however, not everybody bearing that name is a Sikh: the great majority are Hindu
(such as arguably the most notable Indo-Fijian, golfer
Vijay Singh
). Surnames, although not universal in India, have been adopted by almost all Indo-Fijians (despite their less-than-universal use by indigenous Fijians).
s (priests) can be recognized by the surname, Sharma
, while the Kshatriya
s (warriors) can be recognised by the surname, Singh
.
Fiji
Fiji , officially the Republic of Fiji , is an island nation in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean about northeast of New Zealand's North Island...
differ greatly, both between and within ethnic groups in Fiji. Indigenous Fijians
Fijian people
Fijian people are the major indigenous people of the Fiji Islands, and live in an area informally called Melanesia. The Fijian people are believed to have arrived in Fiji from western Melanesia approximately 3,500 years ago, though the exact origins of the Fijian people are unknown...
have a set of cultural practices which today are more loosely followed, and to some extent blended with elements of European culture with regard to names. In the Indian community
Indians in Fiji
Indo-Fijians are Fijians whose ancestors came from India and various parts of South Asia, South-East Asia and Asia itself. They number 313,798 out of a total of 827,900 people living in Fiji...
, traditional Indian naming practices co-exist with influence from the Fijian and European cultures.
Indigenous FijiansFijian peopleFijian people are the major indigenous people of the Fiji Islands, and live in an area informally called Melanesia. The Fijian people are believed to have arrived in Fiji from western Melanesia approximately 3,500 years ago, though the exact origins of the Fijian people are unknown...
The use of surnameSurname
A surname is a name added to a given name and is part of a personal name. In many cases, a surname is a family name. Many dictionaries define "surname" as a synonym of "family name"...
s is not traditional in Fijian culture
Culture of Fiji
Fiji's culture is a tapestry of indigenous Fijian, Indian, European, Chinese, and other nationalities. Culture polity, traditions, language, food, costume, belief system, architecture, arts, craft, music, dance and sports which will be discussed in this article to give you an indication of Fiji's...
. In recent years, it has become more common, but remains far from universal. Whether to have a surname, and if so, whether to use it, are very much a matter of personal preference. One's last name is not always, therefore, a surname.
The majority of Fijians have two given name
Given name
A given name, in Western contexts often referred to as a first name, is a personal name that specifies and differentiates between members of a group of individuals, especially in a family, all of whose members usually share the same family name...
s, a Christian name taken usually from the Bible, and a traditional name. A child may be baptized or registered with a surname, usually derived from the father's traditional given name. It is not unusual for persons baptized with surnames to discard them; some reclaim them later in life, and some who did not originally have one may later adopt their father's traditional name as a surname. It is not unheard of for Fijians to be known by different names at different stages of their lives.
Fijian naming examples
Former Prime Minister Sitiveni RabukaSitiveni Rabuka
Major-General Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, OBE, MSD, OStJ, is best known as the instigator of two military coups that shook Fiji in 1987. He was later democratically elected the third Prime Minister, serving from 1992 to 1999...
, for example, was known as Sitiveni Ligamamada in his earlier days as a rugby player. Another notable example is George Speight
George Speight
George Speight , occasionally known as Ilikimi Naitini, was the principal instigator of the Fiji coup of 2000, in which he kidnapped thirty-six government officials and held them from May 19, 2000 to July 13, 2000...
, the instigator of a coup d'état
Fiji coup of 2000
The Fiji coup of 2000 was a complicated affair involving a civilian putsch by hardline Fijian nationalists against the elected government of a non-native Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry, on 19 May 2000, the attempt by President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara to assert executive authority on 27 May, and...
in 2000, who contested the subsequent election
Fiji election of 2001
The Constitution of Fiji was restored by a High Court decision on 15 November 2000, following the failure of the political upheaval in which the government had been deposed and the constitution suspended in May that year. On 1 March 2001, the Appeal Court upheld the decision. An election to...
under the name of Ilikimi Naitini. He did not need to change his name by deed poll
Deed poll
A deed poll is a legal document binding only to a single person or several persons acting jointly to express an active intention...
; he only had to register his candidacy with his surname and English given name omitted. Maciu Navakasuasua
Maciu Navakasuasua
Maciu Navakasuasua is a Fijian public figure and former political organizer. An explosives expert, Navakasuasua said that on behalf of the Nationalist Vanua Tako Lavo Party, an extremist party which advocated the "repatriation" to India of Indo-Fijians, two prominent businessmen had tried to hire...
, a convicted accomplice of Speight's, revealed on 28 October 2005 that he had emigrated to Australia and avoided a blacklist against his name by using his grandfather's surname, which was registered on both his birth certificate and his passport.
Given the non-universal use of surnames, it is not uncommon for several members of a family all to bear different last names. Well known examples include Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
Epeli Nailatikau
Brigadier-General Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, CF, LVO, OBE, MSD, OStJ, is a Fijian chief and the current President of Fiji. He has had a long career in the Military, diplomatic service, and government...
(the Minister for Foreign Affairs
Foreign minister
A Minister of Foreign Affairs, or foreign minister, is a cabinet minister who helps form the foreign policy of a sovereign state. The foreign minister is often regarded as the most senior ministerial position below that of the head of government . It is often granted to the deputy prime minister in...
) and his brother, Ratu Tu'uakitau George Cokanauto
Tu'uakitau Cokanauto
Ratu Tu'uakitau George Cokanauto is a Fijian chief and politician. He is the scion of a distinguished family, as a son of Ratu Sir Edward Cakobau , and brother of the Parliamentary Speaker, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.- The 1999 election and aftermath :In the parliamentary election of 1999,...
, whose father was Ratu Sir Edward Cakobau
Edward Cakobau
Ratu Sir Edward Tuivanuavou Tugi Cakobau, KBE, MC was a Fijian chief and statesman.-Life:He was born on 21 December 1908 as the son of King George Tupou II of Tonga and his Fijian "trial wife", Adi Litia Cakobau, who was a granddaughter of Seru Epenisa Cakobau, the King who forged the first...
, who was considered one of modern Fiji's founding fathers.
Many Fijians who do not have surnames register their children with their own traditional given name as a surname. Well known examples include the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara
Kamisese Mara
Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, CF, GCMG, KBE is considered the founding father of the modern nation of Fiji. He was Chief Minister from 1967 to 1970, when Fiji gained its independence from the United Kingdom, and, apart from one brief interruption in 1987, the first Prime Minister from 1970 to 1992...
, Fiji's longtime Prime Minister and President, whose children are surnamed Mara, though it was his given name, not his surname as most foreigners wrongly suppose. Speaker Nailatikau has likewise passed his given name on to his children as a surname.
President Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda
Josefa Iloilo
Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, MSD, KStJ was the President of Fiji from 2000 until 2009, excluding a brief period from 5 December 2006 until 4 January 2007 . He held the traditional title of Tui Vuda, the paramount chief of the Vuda district in Ba Province on Fiji's northwest coast...
, better known simply as Ratu Josefa Iloilo, is an example of a Fijian who has a surname, but does not generally use it, except for legal purposes. Iloilo, the name by which he is generally known, which most non-Fijians mistakenly assume to be his surname, is thus a diminutive of his second given name. This shortening of names is another common Fijian custom; another notable example of this phenomenon is current rugby star Rupeni Caucaunibuca
Rupeni Caucaunibuca
-Early years:Caucaunibuca or "Rups", as called by those who knew him, grew up most of his life in the village. Caucaunibuca's father was a church minister based around the Bua province on the northern parts of Fiji so his family frequently moved....
, widely referred to both inside and outside Fiji as Caucau.
Fijians of chiefly
Ratu
Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. An equivalent title, Adi is used by females of chiefly rank.-Etymology:Ra is a prefix in many titles and Tu is simply "chief"...
rank use titles with their names. In most parts of Fiji, the title used by male chiefs is Ratu; the female equivalent is Adi
Adi (title)
Adi is a title used by Fijian women of chiefly rank, namely female members of chiefly clans. It is the equivalent of the Ratu title used by male chiefs. It is in general use throughout most of Fiji, although on Kadavu Island, Bulou is used instead....
. In Rewa Province, the local dialect
Dialect
The term dialect is used in two distinct ways, even by linguists. One usage refers to a variety of a language that is a characteristic of a particular group of the language's speakers. The term is applied most often to regional speech patterns, but a dialect may also be defined by other factors,...
substitutes Ro for both titles. In the Lau Archipelago, male and female chiefs are both styled Roko, while in Kadavu Island and western areas female chiefs are titled Bulou. The title is used immediately before the name, or before another title (e.g., Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Ratu Dr. Epeli Nailatikau
Epeli Qaraninamu Nailatikau
Note: This article is about Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, the Fijian medical doctor and former Senator. For the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who has the same name, see here....
). However, it follows military titles (e.g., Brigadier-General Ratu Epeli Ganilau
Epeli Ganilau
Brigadier-General Ratu Epeli Ganilau, MC, MSD, is a Fijian soldier and statesman, who currently heads the National Alliance Party of Fiji. His career has previously encompassed such roles as Commander of the Fiji Military Forces and Chairman of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga...
).
Names in Tradition
Today, names may be inherited or passed on between relatives, but traditionally, Fijian names have a meaning and a history surrounding them. Before the arrival of Christianity and European culture, Fijian names were often based on circumstances or events surrounding the birth of the child, as well as other aspects. A modern example of a name that reflects both traditional and modern naming conventions is RatuRatu
Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. An equivalent title, Adi is used by females of chiefly rank.-Etymology:Ra is a prefix in many titles and Tu is simply "chief"...
Joni Madraiwiwi
Joni Madraiwiwi
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi is a Fijian lawyer, politician and was the Vice-President of Fiji from 2004 to 2006. He was sworn in on 10 January 2005, following his nomination by President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo and his subsequent approval by the Great Council of Chiefs on 15 December 2004...
, who served as Vice-President
Vice-President of Fiji
The Fijian vice-presidency is a mostly ceremonial office. The position was created in 1990, to provide a constitutional successor to the President, in the event of the latter's death or resignation, or of his otherwise being unable to carry out his duties...
from 2004 to 2006. Joni is the Fijian rendering of John. Madraiwiwi, which means "sour bread," was passed on from his grandfather, also Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi
Joni Madraiwiwi I
Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi was a Fijian chief. Ratu Madraiwiwi was a Bauan chief, and the son of the Bauan chief and rebel Ratu Mara Kapaiwai . After joining the Audit Office as a clerk at an early age, Ratu Madraiwiwi had steadily worked his way up through the civil service...
. The elder Madraiwiwi was named by his father, Ratu Mara Kapaiwai
Mara Kapaiwai
Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara , chiefly seafarer, and descendant of the Vunivalu of Bau.Ratu Mara's father was Ratu Vuibureta of Bau, who was the son of Ratu Banuve, Vunivalu of Bau...
(a namesake, not an ancestor, of the modern Ratu Mara), who was facing execution and eating his last meal. Even the taste of bread had turned sour to him, hence the naming of his son.
Not all children were named for such dramatic events. Some names Like Naivalurua, or "two wars", came about because his father had fought in two separate campaigns in battle. Tanoa Senibua was named for the "fragrance of the Bua" flower which was in the air surrounding the child's birth place, and "Tanoa" as the father of the child was drinking Yaqona from a Tanoa when he received the news his son was born and thus the name "Tanoa Senibua". A set protocol would be followed for the naming, but protocol is less strictly adhered to in this modern era.
Indo-Fijians
- See main article: Indian family name
The names of Fiji Islanders of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
n ancestry provide clues to an individual's religion and caste
Caste
Caste is an elaborate and complex social system that combines elements of endogamy, occupation, culture, social class, tribal affiliation and political power. It should not be confused with race or social class, e.g. members of different castes in one society may belong to the same race, as in India...
, and to what part of India their ancestors came from. Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
s very often have names taken from the Koran, while Sikhs
Sikhism
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded during the 15th century in the Punjab region, by Guru Nanak Dev and continued to progress with ten successive Sikh Gurus . It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world and one of the fastest-growing...
are almost invariably surnamed Singh
Singh
Also see SinhaSingh is a common title, middle name, or surname in Northern India and South India used by sikhs warriors and kings. eg. Man Singh I, Maharana Pratap Singh. It is derived from the Sanskrit word Siṃha meaning "lion and used by Ahir kings of Nepal". It is also used in Sri Lanka by...
(if male) or Kaur
Kaur
Kaur in Sikhism is a mandatory middle name for female Sikhs.-History:Kaur is a name used by Sikh women either as the middle name, or as a last name. It cannot be regarded as a true surname or family name...
(if female). Contrary to a common misconception, however, not everybody bearing that name is a Sikh: the great majority are Hindu
Hinduism
Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
(such as arguably the most notable Indo-Fijian, golfer
Golfer
Golfer may refer to:* A person who plays golf according to the rules.* Professional golfer* "The Golfer", an episode of The Honeymooners...
Vijay Singh
Vijay Singh
Vijay Singh, CF , nicknamed "The Big Fijian", is a Fijian professional golfer who was Number 1 in the Official World Golf Rankings for 32 weeks in 2004 and 2005. He has won three major championships and was the leading PGA Tour money winner in 2003, 2004 and 2008...
). Surnames, although not universal in India, have been adopted by almost all Indo-Fijians (despite their less-than-universal use by indigenous Fijians).
The caste system and names
Although the caste system is all but dead among Fiji Indians, BrahminBrahmin
Brahmin Brahman, Brahma and Brahmin.Brahman, Brahmin and Brahma have different meanings. Brahman refers to the Supreme Self...
s (priests) can be recognized by the surname, Sharma
Sharma
Sharma Hindi शर्मा, Urdu شرمہ, ) is a name used in the Indian subcontinent mostly in Northern India as a surname or given name. As a noun in Sanskrit, Sharma has various positive connotations, such as "bliss", "happiness", "shelter", "laid back" and "protection."Sharma is a surname of brahmin...
, while the Kshatriya
Kshatriya
*For the Bollywood film of the same name see Kshatriya Kshatriya or Kashtriya, meaning warrior, is one of the four varnas in Hinduism...
s (warriors) can be recognised by the surname, Singh
Singh
Also see SinhaSingh is a common title, middle name, or surname in Northern India and South India used by sikhs warriors and kings. eg. Man Singh I, Maharana Pratap Singh. It is derived from the Sanskrit word Siṃha meaning "lion and used by Ahir kings of Nepal". It is also used in Sri Lanka by...
.
External links
- Some details on Fijian Names.
- Some Fijian Names and Meanings.