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Popular baby names in New Zealand

Couple discusses popular baby names

A big part of the fun of being pregnant is going through lists of baby names to find the perfect handle for the new addition to your family. Or perhaps a couple of apt baby names simply popped into your head as you were having lunch, going for a walk or watching some telly.
Often the baby names first chosen aren’t what your baby ends up with, as when parents get to know the baby the selected name doesn’t suit. So it’s back to the drawing board.
Many Kiwis like to choose baby names that have a special meaning in Maori or another language. Or perhaps have a connection to where they live or to a special event or experience.

Sources of inspiration for baby names

  • Your middle name, or your partner’s
  • A much loved but departed pet or other family member
  • NZ native flora and fauna, such as Ngaio or Tui
  • A character from your favourite NZ TV show or film
  • Someone you admire, be it a celebrity, a family member or an All Black, All White or Silver Fern
  • A historical figure you’re descended from or respect
  • The New Zealand town or area where you grew up or once enjoyed an adventure

Below is a list of popular baby names in NZ, followed by a selection of Maori names.

Boy Names

Girl Names

1 Jack Sophie
2 Oliver Ruby
3 James Olivia
4 Joshua Isabella
5 William Ella
6 Samuel Emily
7 Liam Charlotte
8 Benjamin Lily
9 Daniel Emma
10 Thomas Amelia
11 Lucas Chloe
12 Riley Grace
13 Ryan Zoe
14 Ethan Paige
15 Jacob Ava
16 Noah Lucy
17 Hunter Jessica
18 Max Isla
19 Alexander Hannah
20 Jayden Madison
21 Connor Samantha
22 Matthew Georgia
23 Cooper Sienna
24 Tyler Mia
25 Blake Holly
26 Isaac Sophia
27 Dylan Bella
28 Lachlan Brooke
29 Luke Maia
30 Logan Maddison
31 Caleb Jasmine
32 Joseph Eva
33 Charlie Molly
34 Xavier Elizabeth
35 George Hayley
36 Levi Sarah
37 Jackson Amber
38 Nathan Kate
39 Michael Caitlin
40 Oscar Isabelle
41 Harry Tayla
42 Harrison Jade
43 Toby Abigail
44 Alex Amy
45 Jake Kayla
46 Jesse Taylor
47 Cameron Keira
48 Leo Zara
49 Ashton Stella
50 Finn Eden

Maori baby names

Both Maori and Pakeha choose Maori baby names. Many sound beautiful and have interesting and evocative meanings, which is why they’re popular. Although we suspect Tahupotiki, meaning ‘pickled youngest child’, might not make it to the New Zealand Top Baby Names list anytime soon!

Name

Meaning

Huhana A version of Susan.
Makareta A form of Margaret.
Marama Light of the world.
Mere Maori for Mary.
Ngaire Silver fern.
Nyree Maori name made popular by NZ actress Nyree Dawn Porter.
Amiri The east wind.
Aroha love
Eruera A version of Edward. Happy guardian.
Hare A form of Charles. Manly/ full grown.
Hemi A form of James. The supplanter.
Huatare The name of a famous chief.
Irihapeti A version of Elizabeth/ meaning consecrated to God.
Kura Polynesian: Red. Maori: Treasure.
Maaka A form of Mark. From Marcus/ which relates to Mars/ the God of war.
Maata A lady.
Marika Quiet and careful. Slavonic: A biblical name meaning bitter.
Ngaio The name of a native NZ tree.
Ngaire Flaxen.
Omaka The place where the stream flows.
Pania A mythological sea-maiden.
Pita A version of Peter. A stone or rock.
Rangi Heaven or the sky. A boy or girl’s name.
Rangi Heaven or the sky. A boy or girl’s name.
Rawiri A version of David. The beloved/ the adored one.
Reka Sweet.
Rere A waterfall.
Rongo The God of rain and fertility.
Tipene A form of Stephen.
Rua lake
Ruihi A version of Lucy
Tahupotiki Pickled youngest child
Tane Maori God of the Forest
Tangaroa God of the sea
Taonga Most treasured possession or person
Te Pura Blind or chief’s child
Whina Helper

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