The Maori are indigenous to New Zealand, and they have a rich culture spanning hundreds of years. They originated from Easter Polynesian culture, and today they make up 15% of New Zealand’s population. Today, there are still large and healthy groups of Maori communities that have preserved Maori names and backgrounds.
Many Maori names can embody traits that you want your little one to emphasize. For example, Rongo means “peace” for a little boy that you want to remain pacifist. There’s also the name Rawiri which means “beloved” since you’ll be sure to shower your baby boy with love. Maaka is another powerful name that means “god of war”, and it is the Maori variation of the American name Mark.
Other names may have references to nature. Rua is a calm name that means “lake, dreams, and visions”. There’s also the elegant name Ruru which comes from New Zealand’s native owl.
Choosing a Maori name can be a good way to help your little one stay connected with their roots. They’ll feel closer ties with their background because of their name, and you can explain its importance to them as they grow older. In addition, Maori names can be creative and unique, which can also help your baby boy stand out among their peers!
Aata
Meaning: Bear or stone in Maori language
Origin: Maori
Ahika
Meaning: Means sustaining and enhancing our place orcommunities, wero or challenge
Origin: Maori
Akahata
Meaning: Supreme
Origin: Maori
Amahau
Meaning: Togather
Origin: Maori
Anewa
Meaning: To fall
Origin: Maori
Apera
Meaning: Breath
Origin: Maori
Aperahama
Meaning: Father of a mighty nation
Origin: Maori
Arapeta
Meaning: Noble and famous. A famous man
Origin: Maori
Ari
Meaning: Visible and clear
Origin: Maori
Atama
Meaning: Soul of a person; expressive and versatile
Origin: Maori
Atawhai
Meaning: A person who is kind and caring
Origin: Maori
Eruera
Meaning: Eruera is the Maori form of Edward and means rich and happy guardian
Origin: Maori
Etera
Meaning: Aid or help
Origin: Maori
Hahona
Meaning: Healer
Origin: Maori
Haimona
Meaning: Listening
Origin: Maori
Harata
Meaning: Free man
Origin: Maori
Hau
Meaning: In Maori, Hau means wind
Origin: Maori
Hehu
Meaning: God rescues
Origin: Maori
Heketoro
Meaning: Fairy sprit
Origin: Maori
Henare
Meaning: Home ruler or estate ruler
Origin: Maori
Hunu
Meaning: Sunray or sun
Origin: Maori
Iarere
Meaning: To descend, or the descendant
Origin: Maori
Iehohapata
Meaning: The Lord judges
Origin: Maori
Ieni
Meaning: God is gracious and merciful
Origin: Maori
Ietepere
Meaning: Chaste, or unmarried
Origin: Maori
Ietoro
Meaning: Pre-eminence
Origin: Maori
Ihaia
Meaning: God is salvation
Origin: Maori
Ihaka
Meaning: He will laugh
Origin: Maori
Ihu
Meaning: God rescues
Origin: Maori
Ikaroa
Meaning: The long part of a fish
Origin: Maori
Iorama
Meaning: God is exalted
Origin: Maori
Iorangi
Meaning: The cirrus cloud
Origin: Maori
Iraia
Meaning: The God wrestler
Origin: Maori
Iwi
Meaning: Nation, tribe or realm
Origin: Maori
Kamaka
Meaning: Rock
Origin: Maori
Kauri
Meaning: Name of a tree found in New Zealanad
Origin: Maori
Maaka
Meaning: God of war
Origin: Maori
Manaaki
Meaning: To cherish, conserve and sustain
Origin: Maori
Matiu
Meaning: Gift of God
Origin: Maori
Mikaere
Meaning: Who is like God
Origin: Maori
Nikau
Meaning: Name of a palm tree found in New Zealand
Origin: Maori
Purta
Meaning: A person who i mythical
Origin: Maori
Rapata
Meaning: Bright fame
Origin: Maori
Rawiri
Meaning: Beloved
Origin: Maori
Rongo
Meaning: Peace
Origin: Maori
Rua
Meaning: Lake, dreams, and visions
Origin: Maori
Ruru
Meaning: New Zealand’s native owl
Origin: Maori
Tayn
Meaning: The God of light
Origin: Maori
Tia
Meaning: An aunt, daughter born to royalty
Origin: Maori
Wiremu
Meaning: Maori form of William. It means protection or helmet
Origin: Maori
