Fatialofa, Tapusoa and Latu
I would like to know the origin and meaning of the surnames Fatialofa, Tapusoa, and Latu. I think they might be Samoan surnames.
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Latu was the word meaning chief/king in Niuatoputapu. It was also the surname of the ruling family. Later this was changed to an Uvean word. First data came from Le Maire list, 1616. Second from Talanoa.
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Tapusoa is origin from Safotu, Savaii Samoa
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For Latu, see:
  • http://www.houseofnames.com/fc.asp?sId=&s=Latu
  • I can't help you with the other two.Edited...
    Apparently that site bears no reality to truth. I apologize.

    This message was edited 5/15/2008, 7:12 PM

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    As far as I know, there is nothing French about the name Latu. It is Samoan as far as I know. I'm not sure how credible this website is.
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    I agree.....LATU is commonly known as surnames both in Samoan and Tongan, also used as first name in Tonga as far as I know. The Tongan origin of LATU name meaning "GOD OF THE WIND", and mainly appeared and used in their traditional ancient songs and chants. LATU surnames are known to be originated from the island of Ha'apai group in Tonga, and they mostly connected or blood-related inheritance from one family, way back to its origin when it's first adopted as surname.
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    I hope you're not suggesting that this has any basis in fact.
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