149 Maori Baby Names With Meanings

maori-baby-names-with-meanings

Maori baby names eloquently express identity, linking children to their whakapapa (genealogy) and surrounding landscapes. These names create a tangible connection to ancestors, fostering cultural pride and a sense of belonging right from birth.

The Maori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand) possess a rich and ancient cultural heritage reflected in their traditional naming practices. As the Indigenous people of New Zealand, Maoris are an integral part of the nation. There are many compelling reasons to choose a Maori name for your child. These names hold profound meanings, deeply rooted in the indigenous community's natural world, ancestral history, and spiritual beliefs.

Māori first names hold deep cultural significance, connecting individuals to significant places, periods, deities, and cherished family members. They also symbolize qualities parents desire for their children. Exquisite options such as Ahika (of Heaven and Earth), Aio (love; thread), Hahana (radiance), and Marama (Moon) are worth considering.

At birth, first names are inspired by events or circumstances. Sometimes, children may receive a different name later, still influenced by events. Before Pakeha's arrival, Maori didn't have surnames, but now it's mandatory to use the father's name. Women aren't obliged to change their surnames after marriage.

Parents prefer meaningful names that reflect tradition, culture, or personal experience for their little ones. Choosing a Maori name is a perfect way to honor the rich heritage, pay tribute to the admired ancestors, and distinguish their children from the ones with the trendy names of today. Maori baby names are beloved for their beautiful sounds and evocative, interesting meanings, making them popular among Aboriginals and urban settlers.

Considering the uniqueness associated with Maori baby names, Momjunction has brought you a comprehensive list of names that you can choose from for your little bundle of joy. Rest assured, the names below have been weeb-researched upon and are extraordinary in their own way. Click on the links to get full details on the name.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Aata Baby Boy Sign Boy Bear or stone in the Maori language
heart image Ahere Baby Girl Sign Girl Bird snare
heart image Ahika Baby Boy Sign Boy Sustaining and enhancing our place or communities; Wero or challenge
heart image Ahorangi Baby Girl Sign Girl Enlightened in the Maori language
heart image Ahurewa Baby Girl Sign Girl A sacred place
heart image Aihe Baby Girl Sign Girl Dolphin in the Maori language
heart image Aio Baby Girl Sign Girl Peace
heart image Airini Baby Girl Sign Girl Peace; A woman of a peaceful nature
heart image Aka Baby Girl Sign Girl Red
heart image Akahata Baby Boy Sign Boy Supreme
heart image Akenehi Baby Girl Sign Girl Chaste and pure
heart image Akona Baby Girl Sign Girl To enthuse
heart image Amahau Baby Boy Sign Boy To gather
heart image Ametihita Baby Girl Sign Girl Not intoxicated
heart image Amiria Baby Girl Sign Girl Hard worker
heart image Ana Baby Girl Sign Girl Favor; Grace; Merciful
heart image Anahera Baby Girl Sign Girl Angel
heart image Anahira Baby Girl Sign Girl Archangel or angel
heart image Anewa Baby Boy Sign Boy To fall
heart image Aoatea Baby Girl Sign Girl Dawn
heart image Apera Baby Boy Sign Boy Breath
heart image Aperahama Baby Boy Sign Boy Father of a mighty nation
heart image Aperira Baby Girl Sign Girl The Maori form of April
heart image Aputa Baby Girl Sign Girl Open spaces
heart image Aramoana Baby Girl Sign Girl Pathway to the ocean
heart image Aranga Baby Girl Sign Girl Easter
heart image Arapeta Baby Boy Sign Boy Noble; Famous
heart image Arataki Baby Girl Sign Girl The leader; A man with leadership qualities.
heart image Ari Baby Boy Sign Boy Lion; Eagle; Sunlike; Clear
heart image Arihi Baby Girl Sign Girl A woman of noble kind
heart image Arihia Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is noble and kind
heart image Arikiwi Baby Girl Sign Girl Cloak made of kiwi feathers
heart image Aroha Baby Girl Sign Girl Love; Mercy; A compassionate individual
heart image Arona Baby Girl Sign Girl Colorful
heart image Aronui Baby Girl Sign Girl Desire, Greatly desired
heart image Arorangi Baby Girl Sign Girl To heaven
heart image Ataahua Baby Girl Sign Girl A beautiful girl
heart image Atama Baby Boy Sign Boy Soul of a person; expressive and versatile
heart image Atarangi Baby Girl Sign Girl Morning sky
heart image Atawhai Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A person who is kind and caring
heart image Awhireinga Baby Girl Sign Girl Embraced by the spirit world
heart image Awi Baby Girl Sign Girl A Maori word for ivy
heart image Emere Baby Girl Sign Girl Rival in the Maori language
heart image Epa Baby Girl Sign Girl An offering to the God
heart image Erihapeti Baby Girl Sign Girl Helper; Supporter
heart image Eruera Baby Boy Sign Boy Rich and happy guardian; Maori form of Edward
heart image Etera Baby Boy Sign Boy Aid; Help
heart image Haeata Baby Girl Sign Girl Dawn
heart image Haeatatanga Baby Girl Sign Girl Light beam
heart image Hahana Baby Girl Sign Girl Radiance; Shine or brilliance
heart image Hahona Baby Boy Sign Boy Healer
heart image Haimona Baby Boy Sign Boy Listening
heart image Hana Baby Girl Sign Girl Grace
heart image Harata Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Freeman
heart image Hau Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Wind
heart image Hauku Baby Girl Sign Girl Dew; As fresh as dew
heart image Haumiatiketike Baby Girl Sign Girl A guardian of the fern root
heart image Heeni Baby Girl Sign Girl Maori form of Jane; Jehovah has been gracious
heart image Hehu Baby Boy Sign Boy God rescues
heart image Heketoro Baby Boy Sign Boy Fairy spirit
heart image Henare Baby Boy Sign Boy Home ruler; Estate ruler
heart image Hine Baby Girl Sign Girl Girl
heart image Hinewai Baby Girl Sign Girl Water maiden in Maori mythology.
heart image Hoana Baby Girl Sign Girl God is gracious and merciful
heart image Hohepa Baby Boy Sign Boy He will enlarge
heart image Hokaka Baby Girl Sign Girl A desirable woman
heart image Horowai Baby Girl Sign Girl Waterfall
heart image Huatare Baby Boy Sign Boy A famous chief.
heart image Huihana Baby Girl Sign Girl Lily; Lotus
heart image Hunapo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Hidden darkness
heart image Hunu Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sunray or sun
heart image Iarere Baby Boy Sign Boy To descend; The descendant
heart image Iehohapata Baby Boy Sign Boy The Lord judges
heart image Ieni Baby Boy Sign Boy God is gracious and merciful
heart image Ietepere Baby Boy Sign Boy Chaste or unmarried
heart image Ietoro Baby Boy Sign Boy Pre-eminence
heart image Ihaia Baby Boy Sign Boy God is salvation
heart image Ihaka Baby Boy Sign Boy He will laugh
heart image Ihapera Baby Girl Sign Girl My God is a vow
heart image Ihu Baby Boy Sign Boy God rescues
heart image Ikaroa Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The long part of a fish
heart image Inia Baby Girl Sign Girl A body of water
heart image Iorama Baby Boy Sign Boy God is exalted
heart image Iorangi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The cirrus cloud
heart image Iotama Baby Boy Sign Boy God is perfect
heart image Iraia Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The God wrestler
heart image Irirangi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The spirit voice
heart image Iwa Baby Girl Sign Girl Yew; Eve
heart image Iwi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Nation; Tribe; Realm
heart image Kaheru Baby Girl Sign Girl Digging instrument or decorative wreath
heart image Kahikatea Baby Girl Sign Girl Pine tree found in New Zealand; variation of Kahikatea.
heart image Kahikatoa Baby Girl Sign Girl Manuka or red pine tree
heart image Kahu Baby Girl Sign Girl Harrier hawk; Cloak
heart image Kahuiwi Baby Girl Sign Girl Cloak particular to a certain tribe in New Zealand
heart image Kahukura Baby Girl Sign Girl Rainbow
heart image Kai Baby Boy Sign Boy Sea; Keeper of the keys; Shell; Pier
heart image Kaia Baby Girl Sign Girl From the Earth; Sea; Rejoice; Pure; Each of the two
heart image Kaihautu Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Leader; A man or woman with leadership qualities
heart image Kakarauri Baby Girl Sign Girl Dusk, or garment of darkness
heart image Kamaka Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Rock in the Maori language
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Maori baby names reflect the enduring spirit and deep connection of the Maori people to their land, ancestors, and values. Each name weaves a child into the fabric of their culture, carrying their people's stories, aspirations, and age-old wisdom. Implementing Maori naming traditions reveals the profound significance of heritage and remarkable identity in these children's lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some traditional Maori baby names that are still commonly used today?

Aroha is a charming traditional name that means 'love.' Hemi, a variant of the Biblical Latin form Iacobus and Rangi, meaning 'sky' in Maori, are some other traditional names still common among Maori parents. Tama (son or boy), Hana (happiness), and Manaia (beauty or elegance) are some more names that connect people to their culture and traditions.

2. What are some gender-neutral Maori baby names?

Moana (ocean or deep sea), Manaia (beauty or elegance), and Whetū ('star') are unisex names, reflecting inclusivity and equality in Māori naming traditions.

3. What are some Maori baby names with religious or spiritual significance?

Marama is an elegant Maori name, which means 'moon' in Maori. It was the name of a moon goddess or god in Maori mythology. Mere is a Maori form of Mary, which comes from the Hebrew name Miryam, a name borne by the sister of Moses in the Old Testament.

4. How do Maori baby names relate to traditional Maori storytelling and mythology?

Maori baby names are often derived from mythological figures or gods and goddesses and represent the qualities, characteristics, or stories associated with them. For instance, Tane is the name of the god of forests and birds, whereas Tangaroa is the name of the 'god of the sea.' Similarly, Hinemoa represents the 'girl of the mist' or 'maiden of the waters,' and Maui refers to the legendary demigod. These names embody significant figures and narratives in Maori heritage.

5. What are some Maori baby names that are particularly popular among non-Maori families?

While Maori baby names are primarily used within the Maori community, some titles, such as Aroha, Moana, and Rangi, have gained popularity among non-Maori families in New Zealand. Some notable characters and personalities who possibly contributed to the popularity of these names among non-Maori people are Aroha Savage, a rugby union player from New Zealand. Moana Waialiki of Motunui is the famous character from Walt Disney's animated film Moana. Rangi Matamua is a Maori language scholar and academic known for revitalizing the Maori language.

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