Tua Tagovailoa’s first name, Tua, is short for Tuanigamanuolepola. The quarterback’s full name perfectly describes everything the rookie quarterback stands for and what he brings to the Miami Dolphins.

Tua Tagovailoa is originally from Hawaii

Before he led the Alabama Crimson Tide or joined the Miami Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa grew up in Hawaii.

The 25-year-old is from Ewa Beach, a small city in the northern Hawaiian islands. He played at Saint Louis School in Honolulu, Hawaii, the same school where Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and former No. 2 overall draft pick Marcus Mariota attended.

Tagovailoa is not of Hawaiian descent but Samoan. And his family members are devout Christians. Tagovailoa’s brother, Taulia Tagovailoa, is a quarterback for the Maryland Terrapins. The two played together at Alabama in 2019 until Taulia transferred to Maryland.

What does Tua Tagovailoa’s full name mean in Samoan?

Tua Tagovailoa’s full name is not Tua Tagovailoa. Tua is short for Tuanigamanuolepola, but he goes by the former name for short.

Tagovailoa’s childhood pastor, Rev. Manino Afuola, spoke with CBS 42 for an interview in 2018. Afuola explained the significance of Tagovailoa’s full name.

The first part of the full name, Tuanigamanuolepola, is “tu,” which means “stand.” The second part, “Aniga,” means “to be echoed.”

“Manu ole pola” refers to an island bird that sings and awakens people for prayer. Afuola said the name, when added together, perfectly describes the star quarterback.

“He is standing out there, making this noise, and heralding this joy and this praise for our Heavenly Father in what He does,” Afuola said.

If that doesn’t describe Tagovailoa down to the final stitch on his jersey, what does?

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