Aotearoa’s most popular Māori baby names from last year have been shared by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).
Usually released in January, the DIA will now announce the list around Matariki.
Only babies born from June 21, 2022, to July 9, 2023, are counted. The origins of each name that could make the list were investigated to ensure they are from Māori heritage.
Top 10 Māori boy names for 2022
- Ariki / Te Ariki / Teariki
- Nikau
- Wiremu
- Rawiri
- Mikaere
- Manaia
- Kai
- Manaaki
- Kahurangi
- Koa
Top 10 Māori girl names for 2022
- Aroha / Te Aroha
- Aria
- Anahera
- Maia
- Moana
- Kaia
- Manaia
- Atarangi / Te Atarangi
- Ataahua
- Marama
Both number-one spots are first-time winners, though that might be because of the new approach to determining what names make the list. Nikau and Aria were in first place last year, having held the top spot for two and four years, respectively.
“In the past, our approach was that a name could be included on the list if it included vowels and consonants that appeared in the Māori alphabet," the DIA said.
“Te Tari Taiwhenua has implemented a new approach that involves a thorough review of each name's origins and a comprehensive evaluation by internal advisers and a kaumātua group. The chosen names are sent to Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori for a final review."
The list reveal comes just a day after Auckland Airport announced they will have children greet and educate travellers in Te Reo for Matariki long weekend.
Is your name on this list? Maybe you know someone who just named their kid one of these, or, if you're expecting, perhaps this gave you a good idea of what to name the baby.
