Tamatoa
A boy's name of Polynesian origin with 46 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Tamatoa is a three-syllable boy's name with a open, warm sound — a soft ending that crosses many language boundaries. With only 46 recorded U.S. births, it is exceptionally rare — the kind of name most people encounter for the first time when they meet your child.
In the most recent SSA release, Tamatoa ranks #13959 among U.S. boy names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Tamatoa is a boy's baby name of Polynesian origin, from Tahitian meaning 'collector of trophies' or 'conqueror.' The name gained widespread recognition as the flamboyant giant crab villain in Disney's Moana (2016) — a character who celebrates material wealth and self-regard with theatrical magnificence.
Bold and Polynesian in character, Tamatoa is for families with Pacific Islander heritage — or parents who simply love the name's theatrical energy and want their son to own every room he enters.
EtymologyShow more
Tamatoa is cataloged under the Polynesian naming tradition. Names from the Polynesian tradition carry linguistic and cultural patterns that shape their sound, structure, and associations.
In the U.S., Tamatoa has been recorded as a boy's name since 2011, with 46 total births. Browse the Polynesian names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Tamatoa has 7+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2011.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 19 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 27 | — |
The Story of Tamatoa
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2013, Tamatoa is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Tamatoa are most likely born between 2011 and 2023.
How rare is Tamatoa?
Only about 1 in every 720,000 babies born in 2024 was named Tamatoa — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2011, peaked in the 2010s with 27 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(7 years, 2011–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | #13959 |
| 2023 | 6 | #12068 |
| 2021 | 8 | #9589 |
| 2016 | 5 | #13953 |
| 2014 | 8 | #9522 |
| 2013 | 9 | #8686 |
| 2011 | 5 | #14100 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When was Tamatoa most popular?
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Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2011–2024