​
​
Advanced Search

Maori Girl Names

ilahwillah
By ilahwillah
Updated Thu May 25 2023
Beautiful girl names used widely throughout the Maori community including words coming from the language
  1. Anahera

    • Origin:

      Maori

    • Meaning:

      "angel"

    • Description:

      This feminine name — simply "angel" imported into Māori phonology — is fresher than Angela and less Hollywood than Angelina.
  2. Ariana

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Ariadne, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "most holy"

    • Description:

      The smooth, attractive Ariana is on the rise along with the fame of pop princess Ariana Grande. Also famous is twin spelling Arianna, which is associated with Greek-born online presence Arianna Huffington. Both Ariana and Arianna are widely used names and are equally acceptable spellings.
  3. Aroha

    • Origin:

      Māori

    • Meaning:

      "love"

    • Description:

      This beautiful Māori name meaning love (cognate with Hawaiian aloha) is more wearable than the English word and softer Venus or Aphrodite. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern named her daughter Neve Te Aroha in 2018. Aroha / Te Aroha was the most popular Māori baby girl name in 2023-24.
  4. Ataahua
    • Erena

      • Description:

        Erena is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Māori tradition, it serves as a variant of Helen, meaning 'bright one' or 'shining light.' The name also appears in Japanese culture with various kanji combinations offering meanings like 'blessed with goodness' or 'beautiful blessing.' In some European contexts, it may function as a variation of Irene, meaning 'peace.' This multicultural name features a melodic three-syllable rhythm with a feminine ending that flows naturally. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Erena offers parents a name with international appeal and positive connotations across different cultures. Its distinctive sound sets it apart while remaining accessible and pleasant to pronounce.

    • Hera

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "protectress"

      • Description:

        She was queen of the Greek gods, both sister and wife to Zeus, but the name of her Roman counterpart Juno has become much more fashionable these days. That said, we think Hera has possibilities today too, as so many ancient goddess names rise to prominence.
    • Hinemoa
      • Hinewai
        • Hiraina
          • Huia
            • Kiri

              • Origin:

                Maori

              • Meaning:

                "tree bark"

              • Description:

                The name Kiri was made famous by New Zealand soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, whose original name was Claire. Cute but slight, Kiri is close to several other names from Kiriah to Keira to Kyra and its diminutive Kyrie.
            • Kimiora
              • Maia

                • Origin:

                  Greek

                • Meaning:

                  "mother"

                • Description:

                  Maia was derived from the Greek word maia, meaning "mother." In Greek legend, she was the fair-haired daughter of Atlas who mothered Zeus's favorite illegitimate son, Hermes. To the Romans, Maia was the incarnation of the earth mother and goddess of spring, after whom they named the month of May. Maya is the more common spelling.
              • Moana

                • Origin:

                  Maori, Samoan

                • Meaning:

                  "deep ocean, sea"

                • Description:

                  This Maori name, often heard in New Zealand, is an attractive, evocative choice for lovers of the ocean made famous – perhaps too famous – by the Disney heroine. Moana was also an alternate name for the heroine Ofelia in Pan's Labyrinth. Moana may also be a color name for a deep ocean blue ("lanu moana"). Moana and other Disney Princess Names are the subject of a featured blog.
              • Mahina
                • Manaia
                  • Manu
                    • Marama
                      • Mere
                        • Ngawai

                          Want to keep track of your favorite names?

                          Create an account and you can create lists, keep track of favorites, and even be alerted when there is new content posted about a name.