New Zealand’s most popular Māori baby names for 2023/2024 have been announced to coincide with Matariki, the Māori New Year.
The list of Māori baby names was released by the Department of Internal Affairs today to align with the Tangaroa lunar calendar period, associated with Matariki.
Last year was the first year that the list was released to coincide with the Māori New Year.
The approach to determine what names were included on the list also changed last year.
“Our approach involves a thorough review of each name’s origins and a comprehensive evaluation by internal advisers and Te Atamira Taiwhenua, our kaumātua group.
“The chosen names are then sent to Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori — the Māori Language Commission — for a final review.”
The names cover the period of July 10, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
The most popular Māori name for boys was Ariki / Te Ariki / Teariki for the second year running.
The most popular name for girls was Aroha or Te Aroha, also for the second year running.
Top 10 Māori names for tama (boys)
- Ariki/Te Ariki
- Wiremu
- Rāwiri
- Mikaere
- Nikau
- Koa
- Manaia
- Manaaki
- Kiwa
- Kaitoa.
Top 10 Māori names for kōtiro (girls)
- Aroha/Te Aroha
- Amaia
- Maia
- Anahera
- Moana
- Manaia
- Ataahua
- Marama
- Atarangi
- Tui.
