1. Tongan Influence: One theory suggests that the name "Fiji" originates from the Tongan word "Fisi," which means "whisk." The Tongan people had connections with Fiji even before European arrival and could have introduced the name. The whisker-like appearance of the coconut tree, which is widely present in Fiji, may have contributed to this association.
2. Fijian Legend: According to a Fijian legend, the name Fiji comes from the word "Fijivasa," which means "great land." This interpretation points to the idea of Fiji as a substantial landmass surrounded by the vast Pacific Ocean.
Over time, the name "Fiji" became widely accepted both locally and internationally, and it is now commonly used to refer to the island nation.
