Tonga is of Polynesian origin, meaning 'south' or 'further south'. It was traditionally used as a directional term, referring to areas south of the central Polynesian islands. In some cultures, Tonga also signifies the direction of the setting sun and is associated with the Polynesian concept of the sacredness of the west.
"From 1953 to 1986, the name Tonga experienced varying popularity with a peak of 17 births in both 1968 and 1969. However, the total number of births was relatively low, with only 159 recorded over this period."