48 Maori Girl Names (2024)

The Maori people are the indigenous people of New Zealand, with roots in eastern Polynesia. The Maori culture is still alive and well today after experiencing a revival in the mid-20th century, and the Maori language is now taught in New Zealand schools.

Many traditional Maori names are related to the beauty of nature. The name Moana has risen in popularity thanks to the Disney film, and it’s a traditional Maori and Polynesian name that means “deep ocean.” Other beautiful nature-inspired names are Hauku, meaning dew, and Marama, meaning moonlight.

Some names are also related to traditional Maori religion and folk tales as well. Pania is a popular Maori girl’s name inspired by a lovely sea maiden in a Maori myth. The name Mahuika comes from the name of the Maori fire goddess of lore. You might also call daughter Anahera, the Maori word for angel. She is, after all, your little angel, and this has endured as a popular Maori name to this day.

Choosing a Maori name for your daughter is a great way to express your family cultural heritage or your interest in indigenous New Zealand culture. It’s also a great way to make sure your little one always stands out with a bold, unique name that suits her perfectly.

Ahere

Meaning: Bird snare
Origin: Maori

Ahorangi

Meaning: Enlightened
Origin: Maori

Ahurewa

Meaning: A sacred place
Origin: Maori

Aio

Meaning: Peace
Origin: Maori

Aka

Meaning: Affectionate
Origin: Maori

Akenehi

Meaning: Pure
Origin: Maori

Akona

Meaning: To enthuse
Origin: Maori

Amiria

Meaning: Industrious, from Amelia
Origin: Maori

Ana

Meaning: Serene
Origin: Maori

Anahera

Meaning: Angel
Origin: Maori

Ani

Meaning: Maori form of Anne
Origin: Maori

Aoatea

Meaning: Dawn
Origin: Maori

Aperira

Meaning: The Maori form of April
Origin: Maori

Aputa

Meaning: Open spaces
Origin: Maori

Arama

Meaning: Spring
Origin: Maori

Aroha

Meaning: Love
Origin: Maori

Arona

Meaning: Colorful
Origin: Maori

Aronui

Meaning: Desire. Great desire
Origin: Maori

Ata

Meaning: Image
Origin: Maori

Awhina

Meaning: Helper, supporter
Origin: Maori

Emere

Meaning: Maori form of Emily
Origin: Maori

Erihapeti

Meaning: Maori form of Elizabeth
Origin: Maori

Hauku

Meaning: Unknown
Origin: Maori

Heeni

Meaning: Maori form of Jane
Origin: Maori

Hine

Meaning: Girl
Origin: Maori

Huhana

Meaning: Maori form of Susan
Origin: Maori

Inia

Meaning: A body of water
Origin: Maori

Iwa

Meaning: Yew or eve
Origin: Maori

Kaia

Meaning: The Sea
Origin: Maori

Katarina

Meaning: Maori form of Catherine
Origin: Maori

Kora

Meaning: Companion
Origin: Maori

Mahuika

Meaning: Female and wife of the god Auahitūroa
Origin: Maori

Maia

Meaning: Mother; One who has unconditional love like a mother
Origin: Maori

Makareta

Meaning: Maori form of Margaret
Origin: Maori

Marama

Meaning: Light of the world
Origin: Maori

Mere

Meaning: Maori form of Mary
Origin: Maori

Moana

Meaning: Ocean, deep sea
Origin: Maori

Ngaire

Meaning: Silver fern
Origin: Maori

Ngaio

Meaning: The image or mirror image on the water places
Origin: Maori

Nyree

Meaning: Maori name made popular by New Zealand actress Nyree Dawn Porter
Origin: Maori

Pania

Meaning: Crown
Origin: Greek

Pounamu

Meaning: A treasured gift
Origin: Maori

Ruihi

Meaning: Maori form of Lucy
Origin: Maori

Tahupotiki

Meaning: Beloved child
Origin: Maori

Tia

Meaning: An aunt, daughter born to royalty
Origin: Maori

Tui

Meaning: A kind of bird which eats honey always as food
Origin: Maori

Whina

Meaning: Helper, a helpful and kind girl
Origin: Maori

Wikitoria

Meaning: Victorious. A Maori variation of Victoria
Origin: Maori

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