māori names: A Guide to Traditional and Modern Māori Names

Exploring the rich tapestry of Māori culture, we delve into the captivating world of Māori names. These names are not merely labels but hold profound meanings, reflecting ancestral wisdom, spiritual beliefs, and deep connections to the land. Discover the beauty and significance behind these unique and evocative names, as we present a comprehensive guide to both traditional and modern Māori names.
1. **Anahera:** A name of Hebrew origin, meaning "light" or "angel." Anahera embodies purity, beauty, and divine grace.
2. **Atawhai:** Derived from the Māori word "atawhai," meaning "to protect" or "to care for." Atawhai symbolizes nurturing, kindness, and compassion.
3. **Aoraki:** A name honoring Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand. Aoraki signifies strength, resilience, and connection to the natural world.
4. **Aroha:** Meaning "love" in Māori, Aroha is a name that evokes warmth, affection, and deep emotional bonds.
5. **Atareta:** A name of Greek origin, meaning "crown" or "excellence." Atareta symbolizes royalty, achievement, and personal growth.
6. **Awhi:** A name that means "to embrace" or "to hold close." Awhi conveys a sense of comfort, support, and loving embrace.
7. **Haami:** A name derived from the Māori word "haam" meaning "to be strong" or "to be brave." Haami signifies strength, courage, and resilience.
8. **Hine:** A name of common use, meaning "girl" or "daughter." Hine represents feminine energy, nurturing, and beauty.
9. **Hinewai:** Meaning "beautiful girl" in Māori, Hinewai symbolizes grace, elegance, and captivating charm.
10. **Hotu:** A name that means "chief" or "leader." Hotu embodies strength, authority, and natural leadership qualities.
11. **Ihaia:** A name of Hebrew origin, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." Ihaia represents divine favor, kindness, and spiritual connection.
12. **Iriaka:** A name derived from the Māori word "iriaka," meaning "to travel" or "to journey." Iriaka symbolizes exploration, adventure, and a thirst for new experiences.
13. **Iti:** A name that means "small" or "little." Iti embodies humility, grace, and a quiet strength.
14. **Kaia:** A name of Hawaiian origin, meaning "ocean" or "sea." Kaia represents freedom, vastness, and a deep connection to the natural world.
15. **Kaipo:** A name meaning "to seek" or "to explore." Kaipo symbolizes curiosity, adventure, and a constant pursuit of knowledge.
16. **Kahu:** A name that means "to protect" or "to shelter." Kahu conveys a sense of safety, security, and a nurturing presence.
17. **Kani:** A name that means "to sing" or "to dance." Kani symbolizes joy, creativity, and a vibrant spirit.
18. **Karaka:** A name derived from the karaka tree, known for its strength and resilience. Karaka represents endurance, perseverance, and a deep connection to the land.
19. **Kawiti:** A name that means "to shine" or "to be bright." Kawiti symbolizes brilliance, intelligence, and a positive light.
20. **Mana:** A name that means "power" or "authority." Mana embodies strength, respect, and a commanding presence.
21. **Marama:** A name meaning "moon" in Māori. Marama represents beauty, mystery, and the feminine cycle of life.
22. **Mere:** A name meaning "blade" or "sword." Mere symbolizes strength, protection, and a warrior spirit.
23. **Miriama:** A name of Hebrew origin, meaning "beloved by God." Miriama represents divine love, grace, and spiritual devotion.
24. **Moana:** A name meaning "ocean" in Māori. Moana symbolizes vastness, depth, and a deep connection to the natural world.
25. **Ngahuia:** A name meaning "beauty" or "grace." Ngahuia symbolizes elegance, charm, and a captivating presence.
26. **Ngaio:** A name derived from the ngaio tree, known for its resilience and strength. Ngaio represents endurance, perseverance, and a deep connection to the land.
27. **Ngaire:** A name meaning "a type of small tree with white flowers." Ngaire symbolizes beauty, purity, and a delicate strength.
28. **Ngapera:** A name meaning "to make something clean." Ngapera embodies purity, cleanliness, and a commitment to order.
29. **Ngare:** A name meaning "to be strong" or "to be powerful." Ngare symbolizes strength, resilience, and a commanding presence.
30. **Ngarimu:** A name meaning "to be courageous" or "to be brave." Ngarimu embodies strength, courage, and a warrior spirit.
31. **Nikau:** A name derived from the nikau palm tree, known for its beauty and resilience. Nikau represents grace, strength, and a deep connection to the natural world.
32. **Rangi:** A name meaning "sky" or "heaven." Rangi symbolizes vastness, beauty, and a connection to the spiritual realm.
33. **Rere:** A name meaning "to fly" or "to soar." Rere symbolizes freedom, aspiration, and a desire to reach great heights.
34. **Rimu:** A name derived from the rimu tree, known for its strength and longevity. Rimu represents endurance, perseverance, and a deep connection to the land.
35. **Rongo:** A name meaning "peace" or "harmony." Rongo symbolizes tranquility, understanding, and a peaceful spirit.
36. **Rua:** A name meaning "two" or "pair." Rua symbolizes duality, balance, and a sense of completeness.
37. **Tahu:** A name meaning "to know" or "to understand." Tahu embodies wisdom, knowledge, and a thirst for understanding.
38. **Tane:** A name meaning "man" or "male." Tane represents strength, leadership, and a connection to the natural world.
39. **Te Ao:** A name meaning "the world" or "the universe." Te Ao symbolizes vastness, mystery, and a deep connection to the cosmos.
40. **Te Kura:** A name meaning "school" or "place of learning." Te Kura embodies knowledge, growth, and a thirst for understanding.