176 Maori Baby Names With Indigenous Roots

Names rooted in tradition exhibiting the indigenous pride of New Zealand.

Written by Ratika Pai, M.Com Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 6 years

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

Read full bio of Ratika Pai

Edited by Rebecca Malachi, BSc Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

Fact-checked by Angela Alex, MA Specialty: Baby NamesExperience: 2 years

Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

Read full bio of Angela Alex

Last Updated on Jul 24, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

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.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Ana	Girl	Favor; Grace; Merciful
Ari	Boy	Lion; Eagle; Brave; Most holy; Sun-like; Visible; Generous; Chief; Superior
Kora	Girl	Maiden; Heart; Horn; Of the Lord; Fuel; Fire
Renata	Girl	Born again; Rebirth; Brave lion
Amiri	Boy	Kingdom; Royal; Tree top; Prince
Hana	Girl	Hope, Flower, Bliss, Number one, craft, Shine, Moon
Nyra	Girl	Wetland; Ionian; Plowed field
Tai	Unisex	Very; Extreme; Talent; Ability; Tide; Large; Calm; Abandon; Enduring
Moana	Girl	Ocean; Vast expanse of water
Kawhi	Boy	Coffee; Brew

Awa	Girl	To live; To breathe; River; Mercy; Millet
Amiria	Girl	Unceasing; Vigorous; Brave; To love; Sea
Nyrah	Girl	Rose; Beauty of Goddess Saraswati; Wetland
Manaia	Girl	Mythological figure of a man with the head of a bird and tail of a fish; To decorate or embellish
Kiora	Girl	Hello or goodbye; Little and dark; Hollyhock; Rare; Harmony
Saia	Unisex	Peaceful; Merciful; Shadow; Shelter
Marcellino	Boy	From Marcus
Kiri	Girl	Skin of a tree or fruit; Mountain summit; Princess tree
Papa	Boy	Father; Uncle; Earth; Daughter of; Wife of
Nyrie	Unisex	Wetland

Taia	Unisex	To paint; To tattoo; Light
Arri	Boy	Chief; Generous; Gold; Superior
Kauri	Boy	A tree species of Agathis australis found in New Zealand; Flower; Beautiful or shaped like a flower
Tane	Boy	Man; God of forests and light; Famous thought or consideration; God is my Judge; Immortal;
Tihani	Girl	Beautiful princess
Aroha	Girl	Love; Existing leaf
Ruaa	Girl	Love for the moon; Hardworking; Noble; Red; Two; Abyss
Ewa	Girl	Breathe; Live
Hemi	Girl	God is gracious
Moanna	Girl	Ocean; Vast expanse of water

Rewa	Girl	One that moves; An epithet of Goddess Rati; Elevation
Rua	Girl	Love for the moon; Hardworking; Noble; Red; Two; Abyss
Yesha	Girl	Beautiful culture; Fame; Praise; Glory; Camel thorn; Salvation
Marae	Unisex	Cleared and free of weeds or trees; Cleared space; A Polynesian sacred altar or enclosure
Tama	Girl	Son; Boy; Gem; Jewel; Night; Pure; Innocent; Honest
Taea	Girl	To be able; Accomplished; Progress
Anika	Girl	Army; Splendor; Favor; Grace; Goddess Durga; Soldier; Army; Face; Elegance; Edge; Point
Mahaka	Boy	A Ngati Kahungunu Chief
Piki	Boy	Fast; Ascend; Peach
Ahika	Boy	Sustaining and enhancing our place or communities; Wero or challenge

Aka	Girl	Red; To move; To drive; Eye
Anahera	Girl	Angel
Arama	Girl	Man; To be red; To make
Ataahua	Girl	A beautiful girl
Atama	Boy	Soul of a person; expressive and versatile
Etana	Boy	Solid; Enduring; Firm
Koraka	Boy	Koraka means A South Island Chief
Mohi	Girl	Son; Deliver; Enchanting; One who gives life
Ngaio	Girl	The image or mirror image on the water places
Ngaire	Girl	Wetland; Swamp; Rolling sea; Necklace shell

Paki	Boy	Fine weather
Purta	Boy	A person who is mythical
Puta	Boy	A mythological person
Tawera	Boy	A morning star
Toa	Girl	Warrior; Courage; To win; Store; Shop
Tui	Unisex	A kind of bird that eats honey as food
Aata	Boy	Bear or stone in the Maori language
Ahere	Girl	Bird snare
Ahorangi	Girl	Enlightened in the Maori language
Ahurewa	Girl	A sacred place

Aihe	Girl	Dolphin in the Maori language
Airini	Girl	Peace; A woman of a peaceful nature
Akahata	Boy	Supreme
Akenehi	Girl	Chaste and pure
Akona	Girl	To enthuse
Amahau	Boy	To gather
Ametihita	Girl	Not intoxicated
Anahira	Girl	Archangel or angel
Anewa	Boy	To fall
Aoatea	Girl	Dawn

Apera	Boy	Breath
Aperahama	Boy	Father of a mighty nation
Aperira	Girl	The Maori form of April
Aputa	Girl	Open spaces
Aramoana	Girl	Pathway to the ocean
Aranga	Girl	Easter
Arapeta	Boy	Noble; Famous
Arataki	Girl	The leader; A man with leadership qualities.
Arihi	Girl	A woman of noble kind
Arihia	Girl	One who is noble and kind

Arikiwi	Girl	Cloak made of kiwi feathers
Arona	Girl	Colorful
Aronui	Girl	Desire, Greatly desired
Arorangi	Girl	To heaven
Atarangi	Girl	Morning sky
Atawhai	Unisex	A person who is kind and caring
Awhireinga	Girl	Embraced by the spirit world
Awi	Girl	A Maori word for ivy
Emere	Girl	Rival in the Maori language
Epa	Girl	An offering to the God

Erihapeti	Girl	Helper; Supporter
Eruera	Boy	Rich and happy guardian; Maori form of Edward
Etera	Boy	Aid; Help
Haeata	Girl	Dawn
Haeatatanga	Girl	Light beam
Hahana	Girl	Radiance; Shine or brilliance
Hahona	Boy	Healer
Haimona	Boy	Listening
Harata	Unisex	Freeman
Hauku	Girl	Dew; As fresh as dew

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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.

Infographic: Awesome Maori Baby Names With Indigenous Roots

When it comes to naming your precious baby, the possibilities are endless. The right name is out there, whether you're influenced by culture, language, or just a favorite letter. This infographic features delightful Maori Baby Names With Indigenous Roots. Look through and choose the name that feels perfect. You can also share this resource with other parents on their naming journey.

Maori Baby Names With Indigenous Roots(infographic)

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.