Epeli

Epeli is a masculine given name used in Fiji and other Pacific Island cultures. It is commonly regarded as the Fijian form of the name Philip and reflects the influence of Christian naming traditions in the region. The name has been borne by members of different social strata, including nobility and professionals, and it remains in use in contemporary Pacific communities.

Notable people named Epeli include Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, a Fijian noble and statesman who served as President of Fiji from 2009 to 2015. Another prominent figure is Epeli Hau’ofa (1939–2009), a respected Fijian-Tongan writer and anthropologist who contributed to Pacific studies and advocacy for Oceanic regionalism. Beyond these individuals, the name Epeli has historical and cultural resonance in Pacific societies and continues to appear in families across Fiji, Tonga, and neighboring regions.