24 beautiful Māori baby names and their meanings

Māori baby names full of meaning, magic and connection.

If you’re looking for something rich in meaning, deeply connected to culture and effortlessly beautiful to say, Māori baby names are a truly special place to start.

Whether you want to honour your whakapapa (heritage), reflect your connection to Aotearoa, or you’ve simply fallen in love with the lyrical sound of te reo Māori, these names carry stories, nature, spirituality and strength within them.

Many are inspired by the natural world – skies, oceans, forests – while others are rooted in mythology, love and identity.

Why choose a Māori baby name?

Māori names are more than just beautiful sounds, they often tell a story. Many reflect the environment, ancestry and spiritual beliefs, making them deeply personal and symbolic choices.

They’re also wonderfully versatile. Whether you prefer something short and modern like Rua or Tui, or something more traditional and mythological like Tangaroa or Mahuika, there’s a wide range to suit every style.

Māori baby girl names (and unisex options)

Anahera
A traditional Māori name meaning ‘angel’.

Aroha
A much-loved name meaning ‘love’. Simple, powerful and full of heart.

Atarangi
Meaning ‘morning sky’, this name feels fresh, light and full of possibility.

Hahana
A glowing choice meaning ‘radiant light’.

Hahona
A gentle, nurturing name meaning ‘healer’.

Hauku
Meaning ‘dew’, this name has a soft, nature-inspired feel.

Irirangi
A more unique pick meaning ‘spirit voice’.

Manaaki
Meaning ‘to cherish, conserve and sustain’, a beautiful sentiment for any child.

Manaia
A meaningful name referring to a guardian of the heavens, land and sea.

Marama
A well-known name meaning ‘moon’.

Pania
Inspired by Māori mythology, meaning ‘a beautiful sea maiden’.

Tui
A sweet, nature-based name referring to the native honeyeater bird.

Māori baby boy names (and strong traditional picks)

Ahi
Meaning ‘fire’, this bold name has a warm, powerful energy (and was chosen by Moana Hope and Isabella Carlstrom for their son).

Amiri
A traditional name meaning ‘the east wind’.

Ihaia
The Māori form of Isaiah, meaning ‘god is salvation’.

Kauri
Inspired by the majestic native tree, meaning ‘tree’ (and sometimes associated with deer).

Mahuta
A powerful name meaning ‘God of the forest’.

Mahuika
A mythological name meaning ‘Goddess of fire’.

Rawiri
A classic name meaning ‘beloved’.

Rua
A short, strong name meaning ‘lake’.

Tāne
A deeply significant name meaning ‘man’, also associated with Tāne Mahuta, the god of forests and birds.

Tangaroa
A powerful mythological name meaning ‘God of the sea, rivers and lakes’.

Tāmati
The Māori equivalent of Thomas, it is associated with strength, resilience and community.

Wiremu
The Māori equivalent of William, meaning ‘resolute protector’.

A note on meanings and pronunciation

It’s important to know that in te reo Māori, one word can hold multiple meanings depending on context. Pronunciation also matters, taking the time to learn and respect the correct pronunciation is a meaningful way to honour the name’s origins.