118 Maori Baby Names and Their Meanings

By Myesha Alleyne
Updated
From Aroha to Wiremu, find a Maori name with meaning and the right sound.

Maori names carry the sound of Aotearoa in them, from the soft roll of Te Reo Maori to meanings tied to the ocean, the sky, and the ancestors who came before. Many are drawn straight from the natural world, so a single name can hold a mountain, a star, or a quiet blessing for the child who wears it.

Below you will find 118 names split into 66 girl names and 52 boy names, each with its meaning so you can feel the story behind it. We have kept traditional favorites alongside softer, modern picks, whether you want to honor your whakapapa or simply love how the words move on the tongue.

Scroll on, and see which one already sounds like your pepi.

In This Article

66 Gorgeous Maori Girl Names

Check out these fascinating Maori girl names for your daughter.

  1. Ahorangi: Pronounced ah-haw-RAH-ngee, this poetic name means enlightened and carries a sense of wisdom and clear sight.
  2. Ahurewa: Said ah-hoo-REH-wah, Ahurewa means sacred place, a serene and grounding choice.
  3. Aihe: Pronounced EYE-heh, Aihe means dolphin, a gentle pick for ocean-loving families.
  4. Airini: Said eye-REE-nee, this is the Maori form of Irene and means peace.
  5. Aka: Pronounced AH-kah, Aka is a short, warm name meaning affectionate.
  6. Amiria: Said ah-MEE-ree-ah, Amiria is the Maori form of Amelia and means hard worker.
  7. Anahera: Pronounced ah-nah-HEH-rah and also spelled Anahira, this heavenly name means angel.
  8. Aperira: Said ah-peh-REE-rah, Aperira is the Maori word for the month of April.
  9. Arataki: Pronounced ah-rah-TAH-kee, Arataki means to lead, a strong pick for a future trailblazer.
  10. Areta: Said ah-REH-tah, Areta carries the dignified meaning noble.
  11. Arihi: Pronounced ah-REE-hee, Arihi means of a noble kind and has an easy, elegant ring.
  12. Aroha: Said ah-RAW-hah, Aroha is one of the most recognized Maori words, meaning love and compassion.
  13. Arona: Pronounced ah-RAW-nah, Arona is a free-spirited name meaning colorful.
  14. Arorangi: Said ah-raw-RAH-ngee, Arorangi has a spiritual feel and translates to to heaven.
  15. Ataahua: Pronounced ah-tah-AH-hoo-ah, Ataahua is the Maori word for beautiful.
  16. Atarangi: Said ah-tah-RAH-ngee, Atarangi means morning sky, evoking the start of a new day.
  17. Awhina: Pronounced ah-FEE-nah, Awhina is a Maori name meaning to help or support, ideal for a caring spirit.
  18. Awi: Pronounced AH-wee, Awi is an earthy, botanical name meaning ivy.
  19. Emere: Said EH-meh-reh, Emere is the Maori form of Emily and means rival.
  20. Haeata: Pronounced hah-eh-AH-tah, Haeata means dawn, a bright and hopeful choice.
  21. Hahana: Said hah-HAH-nah, Hahana has a warm sound to match its meaning, radiant light.
  22. Hana: Pronounced HAH-nah, Hana means one in Korean, to glow in Maori, flower in Japanese, and grace in Hebrew.
  23. Harata: Said hah-RAH-tah, Harata is the Maori form of Charlotte and means free.
  24. Hau: Pronounced like hoh, Hau feels airy and free and translates to wind.
  25. Hauku: Said HOH-koo, Hauku is a soft, poetic name meaning dew.
  26. Heeni: Pronounced HEH-nee, Heeni is the Maori form of Jane and means God is gracious.
  27. Hine: Said HEE-neh, Hine is a simple, direct name meaning girl.
  28. Hinewai: Pronounced hee-neh-WHY, Hinewai means water maiden, a fitting pick for ocean lovers.
  29. Hoana: Said haw-AH-nah, Hoana is the Maori form of Joanna and means graceful and merciful.
  30. Hokaka: Pronounced haw-KAH-kah, Hokaka means desired, a heartfelt choice.
  31. Horowai: Said haw-raw-WHY, Horowai is a flowing name meaning waterfall.
  32. Huhana: Pronounced hoo-HAH-nah, Huhana is the Maori form of Susan and means lily or lotus.
  33. Hunu: Said HOO-noo, Hunu means sunray, bringing a bright and radiant feel.
  34. Inia: Pronounced EE-nee-ah, Inia is the Maori form of India and means body of water.
  35. Iwa: Said EE-wah, Iwa is a biblical name for girls meaning yew and linked to Eve.
  36. Kahukura: Pronounced kah-hoo-KOO-rah, Kahukura is a name meaning rainbow.
  37. Kahurangi: Said kah-hoo-RAH-ngee, Kahurangi means prized, precious, or sky blue.
  38. Kaia: Pronounced KY-ah, Kaia has Latin, Scandinavian, Hawaiian, and Maori roots and means the sea.
  39. Kakarauri: Said kah-kah-rah-OO-ree, Kakarauri is a picturesque name meaning dusk.
  40. Kamaka: Pronounced kah-MAH-kah, Kamaka means rock, a grounded and sturdy pick.
  41. Katarine: Said kah-tah-REE-neh, Katarine is the Maori form of Katharine and means pure.
  42. Kiri: Pronounced KIR-ee, Kiri is a classic Maori name meaning skin or the bark of a tree, a nod to natural beauty.
  43. Kora: Pronounced KAW-rah, Kora means companion in Maori and maiden in Greek.
  44. Maata: Said MAH-ah-tah, Maata is the Maori form of Martha and means lady.
  45. Mahina: Pronounced mah-HEE-nah, Mahina means moon or moonlight in Maori, linked to the lunar cycle.
  46. Mahuika: Pronounced mah-hoo-EE-kah, Mahuika is the Maori goddess of fire, a bold and fiery choice.
  47. Maia: Said MY-ah, Maia means great or mother in Greek and brave or confident in Maori.
  48. Makareta: Pronounced mah-kah-REH-tah, Makareta is the Maori form of Margaret and means pearl.
  49. Manawa: Said mah-NAH-wah, Manawa means heart, carrying warmth and deep feeling.
  50. Marama: Pronounced mah-RAH-mah, Marama means moon or light of the world.
  51. Marika: Said mah-REE-kah, Marika is a gentle name meaning quiet or careful.
  52. Mere: Pronounced MEH-reh, Mere is a Maori and Fijian form of Mary, meaning drop of the sea, beloved, or bitter.
  53. Moana: Said maw-AH-nah, Moana is a Maori and Hawaiian name for girls meaning deep ocean or sea.
  54. Ngaio: Pronounced NY-oh, Ngaio means light reflecting on the water and names a native New Zealand tree.
  55. Ngaire: Said NY-reh, Ngaire means silver fern or flax flower, full of earthy elegance.
  56. Pania: Pronounced PAH-nee-ah, Pania means sea maiden and belongs to a famous Maori legend.
  57. Pounamu: Said paw-oo-NAH-moo, Pounamu means treasured gift and is also the Maori word for greenstone, or jade.
  58. Ruiha: Said roo-EE-hah, Ruiha is the Maori form of Louisa and means famous warrior.
  59. Ruihi: Pronounced roo-EE-hee, Ruihi is the Maori form of Lucy and means light.
  60. Te Aroha: Said teh ah-RAW-hah, Te Aroha names Mount Te Aroha and carries the warmth of love.
  61. Tia: Pronounced TEE-ah, Tia means chief in Maori, aunt in Spanish, and goddess in Greek.
  62. Tui: Said TOO-ee, Tui names the native parson bird known for its rich, musical song.
  63. Waimarie: Pronounced why-MAH-ree-eh, Waimarie is a cheerful name meaning good luck.
  64. Whetu: Said FEH-too, Whetu means star, a luminous evening-sky pick.
  65. Whina: Pronounced FEE-nah, Whina means helper and honors Dame Whina Cooper, a celebrated Maori leader.
  66. Wikitoria: Said wee-kee-TAW-ree-ah, Wikitoria is the Maori form of Victoria and means victory.

52 Strong Maori Boy Names

Discover powerful Maori boy names for your little champion.

  1. Aata: Pronounced AH-ah-tah, Aata means bear or stone, signaling boldness.
  2. Aio: Said EYE-oh, Aio is the calm Maori word for peace.
  3. Akahata: Pronounced ah-kah-HAH-tah, Akahata is a princely name meaning supreme.
  4. Amiri: Said ah-MEE-ree, Amiri means from the east wind, a fresh and breezy choice.
  5. Anaru: Pronounced ah-NAH-roo, Anaru is the Maori form of Andrew and means man or masculine.
  6. Arana: Said ah-RAH-nah, Arana means rock, suggesting someone well grounded.
  7. Arapeta: Pronounced ah-rah-PEH-tah, Arapeta means noble or famous.
  8. Eruera: Said eh-roo-EH-rah, Eruera is the Maori form of Edward and means rich and happy guardian.
  9. Hahona: Pronounced hah-HAW-nah, Hahona means healer, a name tied to care and wellness.
  10. Hare: Said HAH-reh, Hare is a direct name for boys meaning manly.
  11. Hemi: Pronounced HEH-mee, Hemi is the Maori form of James and means God is gracious.
  12. Henare: Said heh-NAH-reh, Henare is the Maori form of Henry and means home-ruler.
  13. Hohepa: Pronounced haw-HEH-pah, Hohepa is the Maori form of Joseph and means God will increase.
  14. Ihaia: Said ee-HY-ah, Ihaia is the Maori form of Isaiah and means God is salvation.
  15. Ihaka: Pronounced ee-HAH-kah, Ihaka is the Maori form of Isaac and means he will laugh.
  16. Ihu: Said EE-hoo, Ihu is the Maori name for Josiah and means God rescues.
  17. Iotama: Pronounced ee-aw-TAH-mah, Iotama is an uplifting name meaning God is perfect.
  18. Irirangi: Said ee-ree-RAH-ngee, Irirangi means spirit voice, a name tied to guidance.
  19. Kauri: Pronounced KOH-ree, Kauri has Finnish and Maori roots and names the giant native tree of New Zealand.
  20. Kiritopa: Said kee-ree-TAW-pah, Kiritopa is the Maori form of Christopher and means Christ-bearer.
  21. Lono: Pronounced LAW-noh, Lono means news in Hawaiian and quiet in Maori.
  22. Maaka: Said MAH-ah-kah, Maaka is the Maori form of Mark and means warlike or dedicated to Mars.
  23. Maevarau: Pronounced mah-eh-vah-RAH-oo, Maevarau means faithful friend.
  24. Manaaki: Said mah-NAH-ah-kee, Manaaki means to cherish or to show hospitality, a core Maori value.
  25. Manaia: Pronounced mah-NY-ah, Manaia is a guardian figure in Maori carving, meaning guardian or spiritual messenger.
  26. Matiu: Said MAH-tee-oo, Matiu is the Maori form of Matthew and means gift of God.
  27. Maui: Pronounced MAH-oo-ee, Maui honors the clever Maori demigod said to have fished up the North Island, a name full of courage.
  28. Mikaere: Pronounced mee-KY-reh, Mikaere is the Maori form of Michael and means who is like God.
  29. Nikau: Said NEE-koh, Nikau names the only palm tree native to New Zealand and ranks among the most popular Maori boy names.
  30. Paora: Pronounced PAH-aw-rah, Paora is the Maori form of Paul and means small or humble.
  31. Patariki: Said pah-tah-REE-kee, Patariki is the Maori form of Patrick and means noble.
  32. Petera: Pronounced peh-TEH-rah, Petera is the Maori form of Peter and means rock or stone.
  33. Piripi: Said pee-REE-pee, Piripi is the Maori form of Philip and means lover of horses.
  34. Pita: Pronounced PEE-tah, Pita is a short Maori form of Peter and means stone or rock.
  35. Rangi: Said RAH-ngee, Rangi is a Samoan and Maori name meaning sky or heavens.
  36. Rawiri: Pronounced rah-WEE-ree, Rawiri is the Maori form of David and means beloved.
  37. Roimata: Said roy-MAH-tah, Roimata means teardrop, a tender and emotive choice.
  38. Rongo: Pronounced RAW-ngaw, Rongo is the Maori god of peace and cultivated food, meaning protector of crops.
  39. Ropata: Said raw-PAH-tah, Ropata is the Maori form of Robert and means bright fame.
  40. Rua: Pronounced ROO-ah, Rua means lake or two in Maori and red in Irish.
  41. Ruru: Said ROO-roo, Ruru names the morepork, the native owl of New Zealand.
  42. Tai: Pronounced TY, Tai means tide in Maori and great extreme in Chinese.
  43. Taika: Said TY-kah, Taika means tiger and is widely known through director Taika Waititi.
  44. Tama: Pronounced TAH-mah, Tama means son or boy in Maori and jewel in Japanese.
  45. Tamati: Said TAH-mah-tee, Tamati is the Maori form of Thomas and means twin.
  46. Tane: Pronounced TAH-neh, Tane is the Maori god of forests, birds, and light.
  47. Tangaroa: Said tah-ngah-RAW-ah, Tangaroa is the Maori and Polynesian god of the sea.
  48. Tawera: Pronounced tah-WEH-rah, Tawera means morning star, a bright and hopeful name.
  49. Tawhiri: Said tah-FEE-ree, Tawhiri is the Maori god of wind and storms.
  50. Timoti: Pronounced tee-MAW-tee, Timoti is the Maori form of Timothy and means honoring God.
  51. Tipene: Said tee-PEH-neh, Tipene is the Maori form of Stephen and means crown or garland.
  52. Wiremu: Pronounced wee-REH-moo, Wiremu is the Maori form of William and means resolute protection.

Maori Names FAQs

What Is the Maori Name for “Boy?”

Maori boy names vary greatly, ranging from gentle nature terms to strong warrior titles. The direct translation for “boy” or “son” is Tama.

Tama is a gorgeous, short option full of boyish charm that complements many middle names.

What Is the Maori Name for “Beautiful?”

New Zealand is home to many names with rich meanings like “pure” or “treasured gift.” If you’re wondering which name literally translates to “beautiful,” it is Ataahua.

Ataahua is an authentic choice for girls and serves as a sweet, flattering daily reminder for your daughter.

What Is the Most Popular Maori Boy Name?

Maori names are informative, often telling the history of the land. According to recent data, Nikau consistently ranks as the most common Maori name for boys (1). Nikau refers to the native palm tree exclusive to New Zealand.

Other top contenders frequently include:

  • Manaia: “Guardian” or spiritual protector.
  • Tane: “Man” or the god of forests.
  • Koa: “Warrior” or “happiness.”
  • Rangi: “Sky” or the sky father.

What Are Common Maori Girl Names?

Recently, Mia has been a top ranking name among Maori babies, though it is multicultural with Italian and Hebrew ties.

For more traditional options, these names remain favorites:

  • Aria: “Air,” “melody,” or “lion.”
  • Maia: “Brave” or “confident.”
  • Marama: “Moon” or “light.”
  • Aroha: “Love.”

Are Maori Names Gender Neutral?

Yes, many Maori names are unisex and can be used for both boys and girls. Because Te Reo Māori (the Maori language) does not use gendered pronouns like “he” or “she” in the same way English does, names often focus on nature, attributes, or events rather than gender.

Examples of popular unisex names include Mana (prestige/spiritual power), Aroha (love), and Manaia (a spiritual guardian or protector).

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About the Author

Myesha Alleyne

Myesha Alleyne is a freelance writer, author, and formally trained elementary educator. During her time teaching, she found herself longing to fulfill a childhood dream of writing. She’s a dedicated mother and wife who loves to read and watch the Food Network in her spare time.

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