The figures were collected from registrations of birth in New Zealand in the 2012-2013 financial year and did not include children born overseas.
"Although there is no need for children born overseas to register their birth in New Zealand, grandparents with mokopuna born in other countries can encourage the parents to register their pepe as New Zealand citizens by descent," he said.
Maori Language Week, Te Wiki o te Reo Maori, was a great opportunity to release the top 20 Maori boys' and girls' names," Mr Montgomery said.
"Maori names are unique in the world - they connect to your history and your whakapapa."
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori chief executive Pita Paraone said Maori names were an important way of linking with whakapapa
"We're pleased that so many whanau are maintaining tupuna names through the generations. Maori names are a way of connecting with te reo Maori and Maori culture."