60 Maori Boy Names From Aotearoa’s Rich Heritage
Celebrate the earth, its elements, and more with these unique Maori names.
Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Maori baby boy names reflect the historical, cultural, and traditional values of the indigenous people of New Zealand. The Maori people of Polynesian descent, are the indigenous population of mainland New Zealand, known as Aotearoa. Maori ancestry can be traced back to early settlers from East Polynesia, who made their way to New Zealand through multiple canoe journeys that took place approximately between 1320 and 1350. Maori baby boys are given names connecting them to their ancestors, land, and spirituality, preserving their cultural identity and heritage.
Before the 1800s, Māori infants would typically be given a single given name, either a simple name or a combination of names. This is because significant occurrences often inspired these names during the time of the child's birth. However, individuals might receive a new name reflecting notable events or experiences as they age.
Names in Maori culture also have deep spiritual significance. Many names are associated with deities, natural elements, or ancestral guardians. For example, the name Tāne Mahuta derives from the God Tāne Mahuta, the deity of forests and birds. Similarly, the name Tangaroa represents the God of the sea, emphasizing the importance of the ocean in Maori mythology and culture.
Maori names also highlight the connection to the natural environment and geographical landmarks. For example, the name Nikau is the ‘name of a palm tree found in New Zealand’, or the name Rangi refers to ‘sky’ in the Maori language. By naming their children after nature, Maori parents aim to foster a strong sense of belonging and attachment to their ancestral lands.
Maori baby boy names often reflect the beauty and melodic qualities of the language. For instance, Aroha means ‘love’ in Maori, Whakapono means ‘faith,’ and Manaaki means ’to cherish, conserve and sustain.’ They not only sound lyrical but also carry deep cultural values.
Naming practices for Maori baby boys encompass historical, cultural, and traditional values and serve as a link to ancestral lineage, spirituality, and the natural environment. They reflect the rich mythology, deep-rooted connections to the land, and the aspiration to maintain a strong cultural identity within the Maori community. By bestowing meaningful names upon their children, Maori parents honor their heritage, ensuring the preservation and transmission of their cultural traditions to future generations.
On This Page
Browse Baby Names By Gender
Browse Baby Names By Alphabet
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Boy | Kingdom; Royal; Tree top; Prince | |
| | Boy | Coffee; Brew | |
| | Boy | From Marcus | |
| | Boy | A tree species of Agathis australis found in New Zealand; Flower; Beautiful or shaped like a flower | |
| | Boy | Man; God of forests and light; Famous thought or consideration; God is my Judge; Immortal; | |
| |  Girl | God is gracious | |
| | Boy | A Ngati Kahungunu Chief | |
| | Boy | Sustaining and enhancing our place or communities; Wero or challenge | |
| | Girl | Man; To be red; To make | |
| | Boy | Soul of a person; expressive and versatile | |
| | Boy | Solid; Enduring; Firm | |
| | Boy | Koraka means A South Island Chief | |
| | Girl | Son; Deliver; Enchanting; One who gives life | |
| | Boy | Fine weather | |
| | Boy | A person who is mythical | |
| | Boy | A mythological person | |
| | Boy | A morning star | |
| | Boy | Bear or stone in the Maori language | |
| | Boy | Supreme | |
| | Boy | To gather | |
| | Boy | To fall | |
| | Boy | Breath | |
| | Boy | Father of a mighty nation | |
| | Boy | Noble; Famous | |
| | Boy | Rich and happy guardian; Maori form of Edward | |
| | Boy | Aid; Help | |
| | Boy | Healer | |
| | Boy | Listening | |
| | Boy | God rescues | |
| | Boy | Fairy spirit | |
| | Boy | Home ruler; Estate ruler | |
| | Boy | He will enlarge | |
| | Boy | A famous chief. | |
| | Boy | To descend; The descendant | |
| | Boy | The Lord judges | |
| | Boy | God is gracious and merciful | |
| | Boy | Chaste or unmarried | |
| | Boy | Pre-eminence | |
| | Boy | God is salvation | |
| | Boy | He will laugh | |
| | Boy | God rescues | |
| | Boy | God is exalted | |
| | Boy | God is perfect | |
| | Boy | Variant of Christopher; Bearer of Christ | |
| | Boy | Version of Mark; Consecrated to the God Mars | |
| | Boy | A form of Marc; From Marcus; Refers to the Roman god of war | |
| | Boy | God's gift | |
| | Boy | Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; A wished for child | |
| | Boy | Who is like God? | |
| | Boy | Sky | |
| | Boy | Bright fame | |
| | Boy | Beloved; One who is loved by everyone; Uncle | |
| | Boy | Bright fame; A variant of Rapata | |
| | Boy | Man, or god of the forests | |
| | Boy | God of the sea | |
| | Boy | The God of light | |
| | Boy | Crown; Wreath; That which surrounds | |
| | Boy | A form of William; Helmet; Protection; Resolute protector | |
| | Boy | Care; Concern | |
| |  Unisex | Freezing cold | |
This compilation of Maori baby boy names showcases many names clad in the distinct cultural heritage and enriched with profound meanings. Pick a beautiful and vibrant name like 'Hau,' meaning 'wind,' to signify how the culture revolves around nature, or a gratifying name like 'Matiu' representing a ‘gift of God.' Choosing a Maori name for your little one connects them to their heritage and gives them a distinct sense of identity for a lifetime. Whether you cherish historical roots or meaningful symbolism, these Maori names will be precious and powerful gifts for your beloved bundle of joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some Māori names that mean 'strong'?
Nīkau is a Māori name that comes from the name of a 'palm tree' and symbolizes strength. Tāne is another Māori name that means 'man' and represents manhood and power. Rangi means 'sky' in Maori. In Māori and Polynesian mythology, Rangi was the god of the sky. Hence, this name can be considered to reflect positive attributes like power, strength, and divinity.
2. Are Māori people Polynesian?
The people belonging to the Māori tribe are the indigenous people of mainland New Zealand. They first came from Eastern Polynesia and settled in New Zealand in the 13th century. Māori people were skilled fishermen and hunters who created gardens and grew vegetables. The early Māori were also trained in stone and wood carvings (1).
3. What baby boy names reflect the culture and traditions of the Māori people?
Rangi is a Māori boy name that means 'sky.' Ranginui, also known as Rangi, was believed to be a God of the sky, according to Māori and other Polynesian mythology. He was also the husband of Papa, the earth goddess. Tane is another name that means 'man' in the Māori language. Tane was the son of Rangi and Papa and the God of light and forests. The existence of such names points to a direction that might suggest that the Māori people were culturally significant and chose names with religious or mythological significance.
Infographic: Powerful Maori Baby Boy Names With Unique Meanings
Maori baby boy names carry deep cultural significance and meanings. These names reflect the beauty of Aotearoa. Some draw inspiration from nature, while others honor legendary ancestors. This infographic presents wonderful Maori names for boys that will undoubtedly resonate with your desire for meaningful names for your little one. Discover the perfect name for your little one and embrace the Maori traditions with pride.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Māori Arrival in Aotearoa.
https://www.learnz.org.nz/location192/bg-standard-f/m%C4%81ori-arrival-in-aotearoa
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
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