118 Beautiful Maori Names for Boys & Girls with Meanings

Finding the perfect name for your pēpi (baby) is a journey deeply rooted in connection. Maori names carry profound spiritual significance, often linking children to the land, their ancestors, and the rich history of Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Whether you want to honor your whakapapa or simply love the lyrical sound of Te Reo Māori, we have compiled a list of stunning options.

Read on to discover traditional and modern Maori names for boys and girls that your little one can wear with pride.

66 Gorgeous Maori Girl Names

Check out these fascinating Maori girl names for your daughter.

1. Ahorangi: Shine a light on wisdom with this moniker meaning “enlightened.”
2. Ahurewa: A comforting choice that translates to “sacred place.”
3. Aihe: A gentle option for nature lovers, this means “dolphin.”
4. Airini: Embrace tranquility with this variation of Irene, meaning “peace.”
5. Aka: A short, impactful name meaning “affectionate.”
6. Amaia: This multicultural gem means “high place or end” in Spanish, “night rain” in Japanese, and “brave warrior” in Greek.
7. Amiria: A lovely variant of Amelia, this name translates to “hard worker.”
8. Anahera: Also spelled Anahira, this heavenly pick means “angel.”
9. Aperira: A punchy, lyrical word for the month of “April.”
10. Arataki: A strong title for a future boss, meaning “to lead.”
11. Areta: A dignified choice meaning “noble.”
12. Arihi: A classy charm defines this name meaning “of a noble kind.”
13. Aroha: One of the most recognizable Maori words, representing “love” and compassion.
14. Arona: A free-spirited pick meaning “colorful.”
15. Arorangi: This offers a spiritual definition, translating to “to heaven.”
16. Ataahua: The elegant and feminine Maori word for “beautiful.”
17. Atarangi: Symbolize the start of a new day with this name meaning “morning sky.”
18. Awi: Spread natural beauty with this earthy definition of “ivy.”
19. Emere: An exotic-sounding Maori diminutive of Emily, meaning “rival.”
20. Haeata: Brighten up the room with this name meaning “dawn.”
21. Hahana: This offers a warm sound solidified by its meaning, “radiant light.”
22. Hana: This means “one” in Korean, “to glow” in Maori, “flower” in Japanese, and “grace” in Hebrew.
23. Harata: The Maori diminutive of Charlotte, meaning “free man.”
24. Hau: Feeling airy and free, Hau translates to “wind.”
25. Hauku: A poetic option with the misty meaning of “dew.”
26. Heeni: The Maori version of Jane, meaning “God is gracious.”
27. Hine: Simple and direct, this name means “girl.”
28. Hinewai: Connect to the ocean with this “water maiden” definition.
29. Hoana: The Maori form of Joanna, meaning “graceful and merciful.”
30. Hokaka: A fulfilling option meaning “desired.”
31. Horowai: A calm, flowing choice meaning “waterfall.”
32. Huhana: A Maori diminutive of Susan with the floral meaning “lily” or “lotus.”
33. Hunu: Bring radiant energy to her life with this “sunray” definition.
34. Inia: A Maori variant of India meaning “body of water.”
35. Iwa: A biblical girl’s name representing “yew” or “Eve.”
36. Kahukura: Fill the sky with color with this name meaning rainbow.
37. Kahurangi: A sentimental option meaning “prized,” “precious,” or “sky blue.”
38. Kaia: A multicultural name of Latin, Scandinavian, Hawaiian, and Maori origin meaning “the sea.”
39. Kakarauri: A picturesque name meaning “dusk.”
40. Kamaka: Stand firm with this name meaning “rock.”
41. Katarine: The Maori version of Katharine, meaning “pure.”
42. Kora: This means “maiden” in Greek and “companion” in Maori.
43. Lorangin: A magnificent natural element meaning “cirrus cloud.”
44. Maata: The Maori form of Martha, defined as “lady.”
45. Mahuika: Make a blazing choice with this “Maori Goddess of Fire” moniker.
46. Maia: This means “great” or “mother” in Greek and “brave” or “confident” in Maori.
47. Makareta: An adorable alternative to Margaret, meaning “pearl.”
48. Manawa: Exude fondness and deep emotion with this word for “heart.”
49. Marama: A glowing reputation comes with this meaning of “moon” or “light of the world.”
50. Marika: A humble name meaning “quiet or careful.”
51. Mere: A Maori and Fijian form of Mary, meaning “drop of the sea,” “beloved,” or “bitter.”
52. Moana: A famous Maori and Hawaiian rooted girl’s name meaning “deep ocean” or “sea.”
53. Ngaio: A name meaning “light reflecting on the water” and a term for the New Zealand Mousehole Tree.
54. Ngaire: This holds earthy elegance with its “silver fern” or “flax flower” definition.
55. Pania: A mermaid-inspired name meaning “sea maiden” in Maori mythology.
56. Pounamu: Boast affection with this “treasured gift” definition (also the word for Greenstone).
57. Rui: A dominant choice meaning “famous ruler” or “precious gem” in Portuguese, German, and Japanese.
58. Ruiha: Meaning “famous warrior,” this is the Maori version of Louisa.
59. Ruihi: This translates to “light” and serves as the Maori form of Lucy.
60. Te Aroha: A strong name meaning “Mount Te Aroha,” a mountain in a northern New Zealand town.
61. Tia: This means “chief” in Maori, “aunt” in Spanish, and “goddess” in Greek.
62. Tui: A native “parson bird” known for its beautiful song and white throat tuft.
63. Waimarie: A cheerful pick meaning “good luck.”
64. Whetu: Take a place in the evening sky with this word for “star.”
65. Whina: A generous pick made famous by Dame Whina Cooper, meaning “helper.”
66. Wikitoria: The Maori version of Victoria meaning “victory.”

52 Strong Maori Boy Names

Discover powerful Maori boy names for your little champion.

1. Aata: Meaning “bear” or “stone,” this symbolizes boldness.
2. Aio: The beautiful Maori word for “peace.”
3. Akahata: A princely option meaning “supreme.”
4. Amiri: A unique name meaning “from the east wind.”
5. Anaru: Meaning “man” or “masculine,” this is the Maori form of Andrew.
6. Arana: Meaning “rock,” this symbolizes being well-grounded.
7. Arapeta: A special name meaning “noble or famous.”
8. Eruera: This Maori version of Edward means “rich and happy guardian.”
9. Hahona: Meaning “healer,” this represents wellness.
10. Hare: An aligned name for boys meaning “manly.”
11. Hemi: The Maori version of James meaning “God is gracious.”
12. Henare: A variant of the popular name Henry meaning “home-ruler.”
13. Hohepa: Representing Joseph in Maori with the spiritual meaning “God will increase.”
14. Ihaia: Meaning “God is Salvation,” this is a diminutive of Isaiah.
15. Ihaka: Meaning “he will laugh,” this is the Maori variant of Isaac.
16. Ihu: Meaning “God rescues,” this serves as the Maori name for Josiah.
17. Iotama: A religious option with the uplifting “God is perfect” definition.
18. Irirangi: Meaning “spirit voice,” this represents guidance.
19. Kauri: A nature-related choice with Finnish and Maori roots meaning “tree” (a native giant).
20. Kiritopa: A holy diminutive of Christopher, meaning “Christian” or “Christ-bearer.”
21. Lono: This means “news” in Hawaiian and “quiet” in Maori.
22. Maaka: The Maori form of Mark, meaning “dedicated to the god Mars” or “warlike.”
23. Maevarau: A confident selection meaning “faithful friend.”
24. Manaaki: A wholesome name meaning “to cherish” or “to show hospitality.”
25. Manaia: A mythical being meaning “guardian” or “spiritual messenger.”
26. Matiu: An inspiring spiritual choice, this means “gift of God.”
27. Mikaere: The Maori name for Michael, meaning “he who is like God.”
28. Nikau: A name honoring the beautiful, native New Zealand palm tree.
29. Paora: Meaning “small” or “humble,” this is the Maori version of Paul.
30. Patariki: Known as Patrick in Maori, meaning “noble” or “patrician.”
31. Petera: A variant of Peter representing “rock” or “stone.”
32. Piripi: A playful diminutive of Philip, meaning “lover of horses.”
33. Pita: A strong version of Peter, meaning “stone” or “rock.”
34. Rangi: An intriguing Samoan and Maori name for “sky” or “heavens.”
35. Rawiri: An adorable, affectionate name meaning “beloved” (David).
36. Roimata: This evokes deep emotion with its “teardrop” definition.
37. Rongo: Maori for “protector of crops” and “god of peace.”
38. Ropata: A stunning variant of Robert meaning “bright fame.”
39. Rua: This means “red” in Irish and “lake” or “two” in Maori.
40. Ruru: An authentic name representing the “morepork,” the native New Zealand owl.
41. Tai: A strong-willed name, Tai means “great extreme” in Chinese and “tide” in Maori.
42. Taika: Fiercely meaning “tiger,” this symbolizes authority (famous via director Taika Waititi).
43. Tama: This means “son” or “boy” in Maori and “jewel” in Japanese.
44. Tamati: A version of Thomas meaning “twin,” a doubly charming choice.
45. Tane: In mythology, Tane is the “god of the sky, forests, birds, and light.”
46. Tangaroa: The ocean-ruling “sea god” in Maori and Polynesian mythology.
47. Tawera: A charming name for boys meaning “morning star.”
48. Tawhiri: In Maori and Polynesian culture, this refers to the god of wind and storms.
49. Tayn: Optimistic and bright, this means “god of light.”
50. Timoti: A righteous option meaning “honoring God” (Timothy).
51. Tipene: A whimsical diminutive of Stephen, meaning “crown” or “garland.”
52. Wiremu: A safe, Maori form of William representing “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:

• Ari: “Lion of God” or “visible.”
• Niko: “Victory of the people.”
• Koa: “Warrior” or “happiness.”
• Mateo: “Gift of God.”

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.”
• Amaia: “Halo” or “lunar rainbow.”
• 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 Stacy (often used for both genders in Maori communities).