Amid the verdant hills and coastal waters of Aotearoa (New Zealand), Maori families choose names celebrating ancestral ties and spiritual guardians. Many reflect the bounty of nature—like Tui, referencing the native bird—or invoke mythical warriors from tribal legends. By blending these traditions with contemporary naming preferences, Maori baby names preserve the legacy of whakapapa (genealogy) and the Maori philosophy of living in tune with the land.
Night rain
A modern spelling of Amir, often used creatively.
A modern spelling of Amir, often used creatively.
A unique spelling of Amira, meaning "princess."
Of Hebrew and Spanish origin, meaning "grace."
Of Hebrew and Spanish origin, meaning "grace."
Of Hindi and Swahili origin, meaning "grace" or "sweet-faced."
Of Hebrew origin, meaning "lion" or "brave."
Eagle
Of Arabic origin, meaning "angel" or "messenger."
Founder
Life
Grace
God is gracious
A variant of the Kauri tree
Strong, leader
Of unknown origin,
Mist
Maiden
A variant of the word for
A communal or sacred place used for meetings and ceremonies
Young warrior
Ocean
A variant of Ngaire
Winner or achiever
Of various cultures origin.
Papa
Renata carries unique cultural or symbolic value.
Rewa means 'one that moves'.
Saia carries unique cultural or symbolic value.
Great
Talent or ability
Queen
Warrior
