What is a Maori Name?
A Maori name is a traditional name used by the indigenous people of New Zealand, the Maori. These names are usually composed of two or three syllables and typically include a prefix and suffix. They are often used to represent an individual's ancestry, family connections, and tribal affiliations. Maori names are also used to remember and honor ancestors, and to express a person's identity.
History of Maori Names
Maori names have been used for centuries, with many of the names still in use today having been passed down through generations. Traditionally, Maori names were composed of two or three syllables and included a prefix and suffix. The prefix was typically the name of the ancestor, while the suffix was used to denote a connection to a certain tribal group or family. These names were used to represent a person's ancestry, family connections, and tribal affiliations.
Meaning of Maori Names
Maori names often have a deep meaning and symbolism associated with them. For example, the name “Hine-te-iwaiwa” means “daughter of the rainbow”, while “Rangi” means “sky”. Other Maori names may be associated with certain characteristics, such as “Kahurangi” which means “precious” or “Tawhiti” which means “far away”.
Giving a Maori Name
Traditionally, Maori names were given to a child at birth or shortly after. The name was chosen by the parents or grandparents, and often had a connection to the family’s ancestry or tribal affiliations. In modern times, Maori names are still given to children, but they are also used by adults to represent their identity or as a way to honor their ancestors.
Conclusion
Maori names are an important part of the culture and identity of the Maori people. They are used to remember and honor ancestors, to represent a person's ancestry, family connections, and tribal affiliations, and to express a person's identity. Maori names are often chosen at birth or shortly after, and have a deep meaning and symbolism associated with them.
Name | Full Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hahau | Hahau: Polynesian name meaning "to breathe," symbolizing life... | Maori, Polynesian | Unisex | |
Hairama | Hairama: Polynesian name meaning "bearer of light," unisex... | Maori, Polynesian | Unisex | |
Haoa | Haoa: Maori name meaning "breath," unisex, unique, culturally... | Maori | Unisex | |
Hawea | Hawea: Unisex name meaning "sacred lake," associated with... | Maori | Unisex | |
Hemi | Hemi: Maori name meaning "James," culturally significant, primarily... | Maori | Boy | |
Henuita | Henuita: Unique Maori name meaning "to be born"... | Maori | Unisex | |
Henuite | Henuite: Maori name meaning "great rainbow," symbolizing hope... | Maori | Girl | |
Hine | Hine: Maori name meaning "girl," linked to cultural... | Maori, New Zealand | Girl | |
Hine Raumati | Hine Raumati means "summer girl," symbolizing warmth and... | Maori | Unisex | |
Hine-Hauone | Hine-Hauone symbolizes Maori connection to land, motherhood, and... | Maori | Unisex | |
Hine-Titame | Hine-Titamae means "daughter of the morning" in Maori... | Maori | Girl | |
Hinerāumati | Hinerāumati means "summer girl," reflecting warmth and femininity. | Maori | Girl | |
Hiria | Hiria: Maori name meaning "to ascend," unisex, culturally... | Maori | Unisex | |
Hiriwa | Hiriwa means "silver," symbolizes purity, and is a... | Maori | Unisex | |
Hiriwah | Hiriwah means "adorned with brightness" in Maori, symbolizing... | Maori | Unisex | |
Hongi | Hongi: Maori name meaning "nose pressing," culturally significant... | Maori | Boy | |
Ihaia | Ihaia: Maori name meaning "God is salvation," unique... | Maori | Boy | |
Ihaka | Ihaka: Maori name meaning "laughter," significant in Maori... | Maori | Boy | |
Ihorangi | Ihorangi: Maori unisex name meaning "sky, heavens, spiritual... | Maori | Unisex | |
Iritana | Iritana: Maori name meaning "goodness," elegant, unique, culturally... | Maori | Girl | |
Iritiana | Iritiana: Maori name meaning "peaceful," unique, culturally significant,... | Maori | Girl | |
Kaea | Kaea: Maori name meaning bravery, boldness; unique and... | Maori | Unisex | |
Kaikara | Kaikara: Unique Maori name meaning "food face," unisex... | Maori | Unisex | |
Kaikura | Kaikura means "red food" in Maori, reflecting cultural... | Maori | Unisex | |
Kainga | Kainga means "home" in Maori, symbolizing community and... | Maori, Polynesian | Unisex | |
Kaionga | Kaionga: Unique Maori name linked to sea, food,... | Maori | Unisex | |
Kaitea | Kaitea: Unique Maori name meaning "white sea foam,"... | Maori | Unisex | |
Kaituna | Kaituna: Maori name meaning "clear water," gaining popularity... | Maori | Girl | |
Katoa | Katoa: Polynesian name symbolizing unity, inclusivity, strength, and... | Maori, Polynesian | Unisex | |
Kauree | Kauree is a unique, beautiful name with uncertain... | Hindi, Maori, New Zealand | Girl |