81 Maori Girl Names Reflecting Indigenous Culture

Unique and traditional names from New Zealand's indigenous culture.

Written by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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

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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

The Maoris are indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand known for their unique culture and traditions, from their dress to names. Maori baby girl names reflect their rich traditions and relationship with their spiritual beliefs, ancestry, and homeland.

The naming practices in Maori culture are heavily influenced by their connection to their ancestors. Therefore, the existing genealogical research is generally consulted to find ancestors of the baby girl. This way, the girl's lineage is reflected by the name chosen and the aspirations and values of Whanau, which means extended family in Maori language.

If one names their girl inspired by Maori culture, historical events and time periods can be important references. For instance, Hinemoa is a popular girl name derived from a woman’s story who, according to legend, braved the waters to reach her lover on an island in Lake Rotorua. So, it can be safe to assume that this name is a great symbol of the power that love gives to one and the courage and determination to achieve their goals. Along the same lines, Hinetitama and Te Rangihiroa are names that honor historical figures who made significant contributions to Maori culture (1).

Tribal elders chose names that often had symbolic meaning or included personal attributes. For instance, Hine means ‘daughter’ or ‘girl’, and Kahu means ‘cloak’ or ‘harrier hawk.’ These names symbolize the love and respect Maori people have for their environment and its inhabitants. They also have names denoting personal qualities like Rongo, meaning ‘peace’ or ‘peace loving people,’ and Erihapeti, meaning ‘helper’ or ‘supporter.’ These names indicate the Maori people’s admiration and thoughtfulness towards holistic wellness and spiritual connection.

By including varied naming practices, Maoris aim to preserve their rich heritage and honor their cultural identity. Read on to discover interesting name choices with meanings from the Maori culture you can consider for your little girl.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Ana	Girl	Favor; Grace; Merciful
Renata	Girl	Born again; Rebirth; Brave lion
Hana	Girl	Hope, Flower, Bliss, Number one, craft, Shine, Moon
Nyra	Girl	Wetland; Ionian; Plowed field
Moana	Girl	Ocean; Vast expanse of water
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
Nyrie	Unisex	Wetland
Taia	Unisex	To paint; To tattoo; Light

Tihani	Girl	Beautiful princess
Ewa	Girl	Breathe; Live
Moanna	Girl	Ocean; Vast expanse of water
Rewa	Girl	One that moves; An epithet of Goddess Rati; Elevation
Yesha	Girl	Beautiful culture; Fame; Praise; Glory; Camel thorn; Salvation
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
Aka	Girl	Red; To move; To drive; Eye
Anahera	Girl	Angel

Ataahua	Girl	A beautiful girl
Ngaio	Girl	The image or mirror image on the water places
Ngaire	Girl	Wetland; Swamp; Rolling sea; Necklace shell
Toa	Girl	Warrior; Courage; To win; Store; Shop
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
Akenehi	Girl	Chaste and pure

Akona	Girl	To enthuse
Ametihita	Girl	Not intoxicated
Anahira	Girl	Archangel or angel
Aoatea	Girl	Dawn
Aperira	Girl	The Maori form of April
Aputa	Girl	Open spaces
Aramoana	Girl	Pathway to the ocean
Aranga	Girl	Easter
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
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
Haeata	Girl	Dawn
Haeatatanga	Girl	Light beam
Hahana	Girl	Radiance; Shine or brilliance
Hauku	Girl	Dew; As fresh as dew
Haumiatiketike	Girl	A guardian of the fern root
Heeni	Girl	Maori form of Jane; Jehovah has been gracious
Hine	Girl	Girl
Hinewai	Girl	Water maiden in Maori mythology.
Hoana	Girl	God is gracious and merciful

Hokaka	Girl	A desirable woman
Horowai	Girl	Waterfall
Huihana	Girl	Lily; Lotus
Ihapera	Girl	My God is a vow
Inia	Girl	A body of water
Kaheru	Girl	Digging instrument or decorative wreath
Kahikatea	Girl	Pine tree found in New Zealand; variation of Kahikatea.
Kahikatoa	Girl	Manuka or red pine tree
Kahu	Girl	Harrier; Hawk; Cloak
Kahuiwi	Girl	Cloak particular to a certain tribe in New Zealand

Kahukura	Girl	Rainbow
Kakarauri	Girl	Dusk, or garment of darkness
Mahuika	Girl	Name of the Maori Goddess of fire
Pania	Girl	Water; Devoted to God
Pounamu	Girl	A treasured gift
Tino-Aroha	Girl	One who is loved and adored by all
Whina	Girl	Helper; A helpful and kind girl
Wikitoria	Girl	Victorious; A variation of Victoria
Rutu	Unisex	Female friend
Moia	Unisex	Sleeping woman; Courage; Bravery

Raiyana	Unisex	Sky star; Belonging to the sky; Divine; Goddesslike

Maori girl names are deeply rooted in the Maori language and culture and hold profound significance within the community. These names reflect the Maori traditions and exemplify their bond with nature, spirituality, and their ancestors. Our post provides an exhaustive list of Maori girl names with their meanings to assist parents in choosing a beautiful name for their precious daughter. Remember, Maori names carry strong cultural significance, so understanding the name's meaning, pronunciation, and cultural context is essential to embrace a name while honoring Maori heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do Maori baby girl names reflect the culture and traditions of the Maori people?

Maori baby girl names gracefully mirror the rich culture and traditions of the indigenous Maori people residing in New Zealand. Rooted in the Maori language, these names embody profound meanings that intricately weave through the tapestry of Maori culture and identity. For instance, Marama is a beautiful Maori name that signifies 'the moon.' On the other hand, Kahurangi evokes the vivid hue of 'sky blue.' These names collectively unveil the captivating realm of Maori mythology and cultural treasures.

2. Can non-Maori families or individuals use Maori baby girl names?

Maori baby girl names transcend cultural boundaries, which enables families and individuals beyond Maori heritage to embrace them effortlessly. The allure and cultural significance of these names resonate with many, regardless of their background. Aroha, meaning 'love,' Anahera, representing an 'angel,' Moana, evoking the sense of the vast 'ocean,' and Kiri, signifying the delicate 'skin of a tree or a fruit,' are among the many captivating choices that can adorn your little girl's unique identity.

Infographic: Extraordinary Maori Baby Names With Meanings

Maori names are like intricate woven tapestries, each thread telling a unique, ancient cultural story. Spoken Maori names carry the spirit of the land and blessings of ancestors, resonating with cultural significance. Explore the infographic below on Maori names for girls and boys to find the perfect Maori name for your little one.

enchanting maori names for your bundle of joy (infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Hinetitama by Robyn Kahukiwa.
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/hinetitama-robyn-kahukiwa

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.