Maori Last Names: A Guide to Meaning and Origin

Maori last names, also known as "whakapapa" or "ancestral names," are a vital part of Māori culture and identity. They are often passed down through generations, carrying deep meaning and significance. This list of common Māori last names explores their origins and meanings, offering insights into the rich tapestry of Māori history and heritage.
1. **Aporo**: A Māori name of Polynesian origin meaning "light" or "brightness."

2. **Arahanga**: A name of Māori origin meaning "to create" or "to shape."

3. **Atutahi**: A Māori name of Polynesian origin referring to the star Canopus, the second brightest star in the sky.

4. **Awatere**: A Māori name meaning "to flow" or "to stream," often referring to a specific river in New Zealand.

5. **Barnett**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "son of Bernard."

6. **Bennett**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "small blessing."

7. **Black**: A Māori name of English origin, indicating a person with dark hair or skin.

8. **Brown**: A Māori name of English origin, indicating a person with brown hair or skin.

9. **Cameron**: A Māori name of Scottish origin, meaning "crooked nose."

10. **Campbell**: A Māori name of Scottish origin, meaning "twisted field."

11. **Carter**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "cart maker."

12. **Clark**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "scribe" or "clerk."

13. **Collins**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "son of Colin."

14. **Cook**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "cook."

15. **Davies**: A Māori name of Welsh origin, meaning "son of David."

16. **Davis**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "son of David."

17. **Edwards**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "wealthy guardian."

18. **Evans**: A Māori name of Welsh origin, meaning "son of Evan."

19. **Ferguson**: A Māori name of Scottish origin, meaning "son of Fergus."

20. **Fisher**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "fisherman."

21. **Fletcher**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "arrow maker."

22. **Ford**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "ford crossing."

23. **Fox**: A Māori name of English origin, referring to the animal.

24. **Fraser**: A Māori name of Scottish origin, meaning "strawberry."

25. **Gardner**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "gardener."

26. **George**: A Māori name of Greek origin, meaning "farmer."

27. **Gibson**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "son of Gilbert."

28. **Gill**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "young" or "bright."

29. **Graham**: A Māori name of Scottish origin, meaning "gravelly place."

30. **Grant**: A Māori name of Scottish origin, meaning "big" or "great."

31. **Green**: A Māori name of English origin, indicating a person with green hair or skin.

32. **Hall**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "hallway."

33. **Hamilton**: A Māori name of Scottish origin, meaning "settlement on a hill."

34. **Harris**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "son of Harry."

35. **Harrison**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "son of Harry."

36. **Harvey**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "warrior."

37. **Hawkins**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "hawk" or "falcon."

38. **Hay**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "enclosure of hay."

39. **Henderson**: A Māori name of Scottish origin, meaning "son of Henry."

40. **Henry**: A Māori name of German origin, meaning "ruler of the home."

41. **Hill**: A Māori name of English origin, referring to a hill.

42. **Hodgson**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "son of Hodge."

43. **Holmes**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "holly grove."

44. **Howard**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "brave guardian."

45. **Hughes**: A Māori name of Welsh origin, meaning "son of Hugh."

46. **Hunter**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "hunter."

47. **Jackson**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "son of Jack."

48. **James**: A Māori name of Hebrew origin, meaning "supplanter."

49. **Jenkins**: A Māori name of Welsh origin, meaning "son of Jenkin."

50. **Johnson**: A Māori name of English origin, meaning "son of John."