Viliami is a unique and distinctive given name of Polynesian origin. It is derived from the Tongan language and translates to "determined" or "resolute." The name Viliami is composed of two elements: "vili," which means "strong" or "powerful," and "mai," which signifies "to come" or "to arrive."
The name Viliami has a rich history in Polynesian culture, particularly among the Tongan people. It is often associated with strength, courage, and determination, reflecting the values of resilience and perseverance that are cherished within Polynesian communities.
Viliami was popularized by King Tupou I, who ruled Tonga from 1845 to 1863. The king's name, Viliami Tupou I, is still widely recognized and respected in Tonga today, further emphasizing the significance of this unique given name.
In recent years, the name Viliami has gained global recognition due to its usage by prominent individuals, such as former professional rugby player Viliami "Vili"amea, who played for the New Zealand All Blacks. This exposure has contributed to the spread of the name beyond Polynesia and into other parts of the world.
Despite its growing popularity, Viliami remains a unique and distinct given name that carries a deep connection to Polynesian culture and heritage. Its meaning, "determined" or "resolute," embodies the values of strength and perseverance that are celebrated within Polynesian communities.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Viliami has seen varying popularity over the years in the United States. The first recorded birth was in 1980 with six babies being named Viliami that year. This number remained consistent at six births for the following year as well.
Interestingly, there was a significant increase in the number of newborns named Viliami in 1982, with eleven births recorded that year. However, this peak was not sustained, and the numbers fluctuated between eight and ten births annually until 1992 when only five babies were named Viliami.
The late 1990s brought a resurgence in popularity for the name Viliami, with a total of fifteen births recorded in 1999. This trend continued into the early 2000s, reaching a peak of twenty-one births in both 2010 and 2013.
More recently, the number of babies named Viliami has stabilized around ten to seventeen births per year, with twenty births recorded in both 2017 and 2020. As of 2023, there have been ten births recorded for the name Viliami in the United States.
In total, over the span of these forty-three years (from 1980 to 2023), a grand total of 534 babies were named Viliami in the United States. This represents a consistent, if not always high, level of popularity for the name throughout this period.