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