Kiwis prefer names that have a special meaning and connection, either by tradition, culture, or an experience. So what better than giving your children a Maori name? Being the Indigenous people of New Zealand, Maoris form an integral part of the nation. And if you ask us, there are plenty of other good reasons to give your child a Maori name. It will recognize your Maori heritage, honor your admired ancestor, and stand out from the crowd of today’s trendy names.
Maori baby names have beautiful sounds and evocative and interesting meanings, which is why there are incredibly popular, not just with the Aboriginals, but also urban settlers. The first names are often given at birth, inspired by the event or circumstances. In some cases, children can be given a different name, this time again, influenced by events or circumstances. Before the arrival of Pakeha, Maori did not use surnames. But it’s now mandatory for Maoris to have a family name, which should be the father’s name. And it isn’t required for women to change their surnames after marriage.
Below is MomJunction’s wide selection of Maori names with meanings. Click on the links to get full details on the name.
NAMES | MEANING | GENDER | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ana | Gracious and satisfying | Girl | |||
Anahera | The majestic and powerful angel | Girl | |||
Ari | Variation of Ariel which means the lion of God | Boy | |||
Aroha | Love,mercy; one who is compassionate individual | Girl | |||
Ataahua | A beautiful girl | Girl | |||
Hana | Arabic for "happiness," and Japanese for "flower," Korean for "One, First, Consistency," and Hawaiian for "work | Girl | |||
Ihaia | God is salvation | Boy | |||
Kai | The Scottish and American meaning is Fire, The Hawaiian is The Sea, Welsh meaning is Keeper of the keys | Boy | |||
Kaia | Kaia name means The Sea | Girl | |||
Kauri | Name of a tree found in NewZealanad | Boy | |||
Kora | Kora means Companion | Girl | |||
Maia | Mother; One who has unconditional love like a mother | Girl | |||
Manaaki | To cherish, conserve and sustain | Boy | |||
Manaia | From the mythological figure, a man with the head of a bird | Girl | |||
Mikaere | Who is like God | Boy | |||
Nikau | Name of a palm tree found in New Zealand | Boy | |||
Rawiri | Beloved, one who is loved by everyone | Boy | |||
Tia | An aunt, daughter born to royalty | Unisex | |||
Wiremu | Maori form of William. It means protection or helmet. | Boy | |||
Aata | Bear or stone in Maori language. | Boy | |||
Ahere | Bird snare | Girl | |||
Ahika | means sustaining and enhancing our place orcommunities, wero or challenge | Boy | |||
Ahorangi | The name means enlightened in the Maori language. | Girl | |||
Ahurewa | A sacred place. | Girl | |||
Aihe | Dolphin in Maori language. | Girl | |||
Aio | Peace | Girl | |||
Airini | Peace, a woman of a peaceful nature. | Girl | |||
Aka | Also known as, Affectionate | Girl | |||
Akahata | Supreme | Boy | |||
Akenehi | Chaste and pure | Girl | |||
Akona | To enthuse | Girl | |||
Amahau | To gather | Boy | |||
Ametihita | Not intoxicated | Girl | |||
Amiria | Amiria is the Maori version of Amelia. It means 'hard worker'. | Girl | |||
Anahira | Archangel or angel | Girl | |||
Anewa | To fall | Boy | |||
Aoatea | Dawn | Girl | |||
Apera | Breath | Boy | |||
Aperahama | Father of a mighty nation | Boy | |||
Aperira | Aperira is the Maori form of April. | Girl | |||
Aputa | Open spaces | Girl | |||
Aramoana | Pathway to the ocean. | Girl | |||
Aranga | Maori word for Easter. | Girl | |||
Arapeta | Noble and famous. A famous man. | Boy | |||
Arataki | The leader, a man with leadership qualities. | Girl | |||
Arihi | A woman of noble kind | Girl | |||
Arihia | One who is noble and kind. | Girl | |||
Arikiwi | Cloak made of kiwi feathers. | Girl | |||
Arona | Colorful | Girl | |||
Aronui | Desire, or greatly desired | Girl | |||