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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Disneys animated film Moana. Rangi Matamua is a Maori language scholar and academic known for revitalizing the Maori language.

Home • Baby Names

46 Maori Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With A

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 7 years

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

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Fact-checked 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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Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Ana	Girl	Favor; Grace; Merciful
Ari	Boy	Lion; Eagle; Brave; Most holy; Sun-like; Visible; Generous; Chief; Superior
Amiri	Boy	Kingdom; Royal; Tree top; Prince
Awa	Girl	To live; To breathe; River; Mercy; Millet
Amiria	Girl	Unceasing; Vigorous; Brave; To love; Sea
Arri	Boy	Chief; Generous; Gold; Superior
Aroha	Girl	Love; Existing leaf
Anika	Girl	Army; Splendor; Favor; Grace; Goddess Durga; Soldier; Army; Face; Elegance; Edge; Point
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
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

Infographic: Impactful Maori Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With A

A given name can profoundly impact your child’s persona in many ways. Therefore, selecting a name with a meaningful theme and cultural relevance is vital. To help you make an informed and thoughtful choice, we bring you an infographic on dynamic Maori Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With A that could inspire your child to reach their full potential and become the best version of themselves.

Maori Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With A(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.