With Matariki marking the start of the Māori New Year, the most popular Māori baby names for the past year have now been revealed by Te Tari Taiwhenua, Department of Internal Affairs.
The most popular name for kōtiro (girls) was Aroha/Te Aroha, while Ariki/Te Ariki was the most popular for tama (boys). 164 pēpi were named Aroha/Te Aroha and 111 were named Ariki/Te Ariki. According to SmartStart, these two names were also in the top Māori pēpi names last year.
Top ten most popular Māori baby names in 2023/2024.
Kōtiro (Girls)
1. Aroha/Te Aroha
2. Amaia
3. Maia
4. Anahera
5. Moana
6. Manaia
7. Ataahua
8. Marama
9. Atarangi
10. Tui
Tama (Boys)
1. Ariki/Te Ariki
2. Wiremu
3. Rāwiri
4. Mikaere
5. Nikau
6. Koa
7. Manaia
8. Manaaki
9. Kiwa
10. Kaitoa
The list has been created based on names registered with Te Tari Taiwhenua from 10 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.
The top names were selected after a "thorough review each name's origins and a comprehensive evaluation by internal advisors 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."
SmartStart is a website that provides new and expectant parents with step-by-step knowledge and support to help them access the right services for them and their babies.
