lomu

Lomu is a surname of Pacific Islander origin, most commonly associated with the late New Zealand rugby union player Jonah Lomu. The name is found among Samoan and broader Polynesian communities, and outside of notable figures it is a family name carried by others in the region.

Jonah Lomu (born 1975 in Auckland, New Zealand; died 2015) rose to international prominence during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where his combination of size, speed, and power redefined expectations for wings and elevated the sport's global profile. He played as a wing for the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks, and at the domestic level for Auckland and the Blues in Super Rugby. Lomu’s performances left a lasting impact on the game and helped broaden rugby’s appeal in markets outside its traditional strongholds.

In his later years, Lomu faced health challenges related to a serious kidney illness. He remained a high-profile figure in rugby and charitable work after his playing days, and he is widely cited as one of the sport’s greatest players. The surname Lomu continues to be used within Pacific Islander communities, primarily in connection with familial and cultural heritage as well as public recognition of Jonah Lomu’s legacy.