Discover and Shortlist Your Perfect Baby Names!
New Zealand Names
New Zealand is a unique and beautiful country, and its people are just as special. The culture of New Zealand is reflected in its names, which often have a distinct Maori influence. Maori names are often used to represent the culture and language of the indigenous people of New Zealand, and many New Zealanders are proud to bear a Maori name.
Maori names often have a deep meaning or a story behind them. Some common Maori names include Aroha (love), Tane (man), Hine (girl), and Rangi (sky). Maori names are often combined with English names to create a unique and meaningful name. For example, a popular combination is Tane-Rangi, which means “man of the sky”.
English names are also popular in New Zealand, and many New Zealanders have traditional English names such as John, Mary, and William. New Zealanders also often give their children names that reflect their cultural heritage, such as Aotearoa (New Zealand) or Waka (canoe).
In recent years, New Zealanders have begun to embrace more unique and creative names. Popular modern names include Kahu (hawk), Manaia (guardian angel), and Raukura (feather). Many New Zealanders also enjoy giving their children names from other cultures, such as Japanese, Chinese, and Indian names.
No matter the name, New Zealanders are proud of their heritage and culture, and they take great pride in giving their children meaningful and unique names. New Zealanders are sure to continue to come up with creative and unique names to reflect their culture and values.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beauden | Beauden: a handsome, elegant name gaining popularity for boys. | New Zealand | Boy | |
| Hine | Hine: Maori name meaning "girl," linked to cultural significance and mythology. | Maori, New Zealand | Girl | |
| Kauree | Kauree is a unique, beautiful name with uncertain cultural origins. | Hindi, Maori, New Zealand | Girl | |
| Kimbra | Kimbra: a unique name meaning "strong support from royal forest." | Australian, English, Maori, New Zealand | Girl | |
| Kiwi | Kiwi: New Zealand bird, fruit; name derived from Māori language. | New Zealand | Either | |
| Matareka | Matareka means "laughing face" in Maori, symbolizing joy and culture. | Maori, New Zealand | Girl | |
| Ngaire | Ngaire: Maori name meaning "flaxen," symbolizing strength and heritage. | Maori, New Zealand | Girl | |
| Omora | Omora: Unique Maori name meaning "big noise," symbolizing strength and power. | Maori, New Zealand | Unisex | |
| Pekeri | Pekeri: Unique Maori name meaning "alert" or "watchful," unisex. | Maori, New Zealand | Unisex | |
| Pikoka | Pikoka: Maori name meaning "little bird," symbolizing freedom and beauty. | Maori, New Zealand | Girl | |
| Potiki | Potiki means "youngest child" in Maori, symbolizing preciousness and care. | Maori, New Zealand | Unisex | |
| Rimu | Rimu is a unisex Maori name honoring New Zealand's natural beauty. | Maori, New Zealand | Unisex | |
| Tahupotiki | Tahupotiki means "youngest child who is cooked" in Maori. | Maori, New Zealand | Unisex | |
| Tanea | Tanea: Unique Polynesian name meaning "forest goddess," symbolizing nature. | Greek, New Zealand, Polynesian | Unisex | |
| Tautitie | Tautitie: Maori name meaning pride, confidence; unisex, culturally significant. | Maori, New Zealand | Unisex | |
| Zealand | Zealand means "sea land," originating from Dutch for "sea land." | Dutch, New Zealand | Either |
The name 'New Zealand' was first given by Dutch cartographers in the 17th century. It was derived from the Dutch province of Zeeland, with the addition of "Nieuw" meaning "new". The name was later anglicized to its current form.
New Zealand was named by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman. He was the first European to sight the country in 1642, and he named it 'Staten Landt'. The name was later changed by Dutch cartographers to 'Nieuw Zeeland'.
The 'Zealand' part of 'New Zealand' refers to the Dutch province of Zeeland. Zeeland is a coastal province in the Netherlands, known for its land reclaimed from the sea and protected by dikes. The name was chosen to reflect the maritime features of the new territory.
Yes, New Zealand is named after the Dutch province of Zeeland. The name was given by Dutch explorers in the 17th century who were reminded of Zeeland's coastal landscape. Zeeland itself means "sea land" in Dutch.
New Zealand was not named after Abel Tasman because his initial name for the country, 'Staten Landt', was later changed. Dutch cartographers decided to name it 'Nieuw Zeeland' after the Dutch province of Zeeland. The name Tasman gave was thought to be part of a land connected to a Staten Landt in South America, which was incorrect.
Before European naming, New Zealand was known to its indigenous Māori people as Aotearoa. Aotearoa translates to "land of the long white cloud" in the Māori language. This name is still widely used in New Zealand today, especially in cultural contexts and official bi-lingual naming.
New Zealand became the official name of the country after British colonization in the 19th century. Prior to this, it was known by various names, including 'Nieuw Zeeland' by the Dutch and 'Aotearoa' by the Māori people. The British formalized the name following the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
Yes, there are other places named 'Zealand'. Besides the Dutch province of Zeeland, there is also a region in Denmark called Sjælland, known in English as Zealand. The name 'Zealand' is not unique to New Zealand and has been used in various European locations.
The name 'Zeeland' signifies a connection to the sea, which is fitting for New Zealand's extensive coastline and maritime history. It reflects the country's geography, much like the Dutch province of Zeeland which is known for its relationship with the sea. The name was chosen by Dutch explorers who were the first Europeans to chart parts of New Zealand's coast.
New Zealand could have been named differently if historical events had unfolded in another way. If the British had adopted Abel Tasman's original name, 'Staten Landt', or if another European power had colonized it first, the name could have varied. However, the name 'New Zealand' has been established through its colonial history and is now recognized internationally.
