Native names of Oceanic Islands 1900

Spread across approximately 10,000 islands, the history of Oceania is stained with the lingering shadows of colonial legacies that date back to the 16th century. A proud tapestry of indigenous histories, resilient against European colonization, is woven into the very names of these islands. Remarkably, many of these lands, having shrugged off their colonial shackles upon gaining independence, stand as testaments to their cultural heritage. Each Pacific island once possessed its unique indigenous identity, a legacy obscured and often forgotten under the weight of European-imposed names.

At first glance, the demarcation between entities bearing European names and those preserving their native identities appears evident. Nations like Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, French Polynesia, Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Pitcairn Island proudly wear their colonial monikers. Despite possessing indigenous names, the world recognizes them primarily by their official European designations. Conversely, countries such as Nauru, Vanuatu, Tonga, Fiji, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Samoa, Guam, Niue, Wallis & Futuna, the US state of Hawaiian Islands, and the amalgamation of colonial and native names in Papua New Guinea, retain their original nomenclature.

However, a closer inspection reveals that even within these nations, the vestiges of colonial history persist in the names of their sub-entities. While some larger island groups underwent multiple renamings, numerous smaller entities clung steadfastly to their native identities. Take, for instance, the nine provinces of the Solomon Islands—Central, Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Isabel, Makira-Ulawa, Malaita, Rennell & Bellona, Temotu, and Western. Similarly, the Kiribati Islands, subdivided into Banaba, Tarawa, Gilbert Islands (Northern, Central, and Southern), Phoenix, and Line Islands, retained their colonial-era names as subdivisions.

In 2019, the Cook Islands contemplated a name change to better reflect their true Polynesian culture. Although individually consisting of islands like Pukapuka, Suwarrow, Rakahanga, Penrhyn, Palmerston, Aitutaki, Manuai, Mitiero, Mauki, Rarotonga, Mangaia, Takutea, and Aitu, collectively, they were formerly known as the Hervey Islands until 1901, when they adopted the name Cook Islands. Interestingly, the local Maori name, Kuki 'Airani, serves as the native translation of Cook Islands.

Yet, some nations, such as Tuvalu and Tonga, successfully shed their colonial names. Tuvalu, once known as the Ellice or Lagoon Islands, now comprises subdivisions like Nanomea (St. Augustine), Nanomana (Hudson), Niutao (Lynx or Speiden), Nui (Egg or Netherland), Nukufetau (De Peyster), Oaitupu (Tracy), Nukulailai (Mitchell), and Nurakita (Sophia). Tonga, formerly the Friendly Islands during the colonial era, retained its non-Polynesian name but abandoned its colonial designation. Its administrative divisions—Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai, 'Eua, Ongo Niua—even have capitals with names like Nuku'alofa (also the capital of Tonga), Neiafu, Pangai, 'Ohonua, and Hihifo. Similarly, the Fiji Islands (formerly, the Kingdom of Viti) have preserved their native heritage in the names of their provinces, including Ba, Bua, Kadavu, Lau, Lomaiviti, Macuata, Nadroga-Navosa, Naitasiri, Namosi, Ra, Rewa, Serua, Tailevu, and a slightly European-influenced name in Cakaudrove.

Contrastingly, the Hawaiian Islands, the 50th state of the US, proudly preserved their original names—Hawai'i, Maui, O'ahu, Kaua'i, Moloka'i, Lāna'i, Ni'ihau, Kaho'olawe, and numerous minor islands such as Ka'ula, Lehua, Mokolo'i, Moku Ola, etc. Even the atolls and reefs maintain their native names, such as Kauō (Laysan), Holoikauaua (Pearl and Hermes Atoll), Pihemanu (Midway Atoll), Kānemilohha'i (French Frigate Shoals), despite their official designations continuing with non-native names.

Oceania's islands, once colonized by Europeans, Americans, and Japanese, bear the imprints of Spain's early 17th-century foray into the Islas de los Ladrones (Mariana Islands and Caroline Islands). The 19th century saw the British focusing on Australia and New Zealand, while the French expanded to Nouvelle-Calédonie, Tahiti, Porapora, Tuamotu, and other smaller islands. Pitcairn Island marked the initial British establishment among smaller Oceanic islands, while the US began establishing bases at various locations. Meanwhile, the Japanese Empire, in the late 1800s, renamed conquered territories such as Guam, Wake, Kiribati, and the South Seas Mandate.

The Line Islands, originally spotted by the Spanish as Buen Viaje, were divided between American and British territories. As the 19th century waned, the Netherlands, Germany, and Japan staked claims to various islands. Amidst the territorial struggles, Tonga, Niue, Rarotonga, Rakahanga, Humphrey's Island (Manihiki), and other smaller islands clung to virtual independence. Remarkably, Rapa Nui or Easter Island stood as the private property of English-Jewish-Tahitian plantation owner Alexander Ari'ipaea Vehiaitipare Salmon Jr.

With the dawn of the 20th century, Oceania fell under the sway of three superpowers—Britain, France, and the Japanese Empire. Japan, in particular, renamed almost all conquered territories, leaving behind a legacy of Omiya (Guam), Otori (Wake), Kiribasu (Kiribati), and Nan'yō guntō (South Seas Mandate). Today, while most Oceanian islands stand independent, territories of Australia, New Zealand, France, Britain, the US, and Japan persist. Some islands remain too small or uninhabited to assert separate identities.

The map of Oceania presented below reflects a meticulous restoration of native names to these islands, offering a poignant glimpse into a history marred by colonization yet resiliently anchored in indigenous identities.