Most popular Māori names: Aroha, Ariki top the list for a third year

Each year, a tally is taken of Māori first names and middle names that are given to children. Photo / Whakawhetū

By RNZ

Aroha and Ariki remain the most popular Māori baby names for the third year running.

The Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua (DIA) has released the top five names given to kōtiro (girls) and tamaiti tāne (boys) born in the past 12 months.

There were 173 girls called Aroha or a variation of the name, such as Te Aroha/Te-Aroha/TeAroha, and 137 boys were named Ariki, or Te Ariki/Āriki/te Ariki.

Also in the top five girls’ names were Maia, Moana, Anahera and Atarangi.

The other boys’ names to make the top five were Wiremu, Koa, Mikaere and Rangi.

The tally of names included all that were registered with the DIA between July 1, 2024 and June 18, 2025 – dates chosen to align with the Tangaroa lunar calendar period associated with Matariki, as advised by the Matariki Advisory Committee, the DIA said.

Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages Russell Burnard said each name told a story. “It’s a reflection of whakapapa, identity and the hopes whānau hold for their tamariki [children],” he said.

“We approach the creation of the Māori baby names list with deep respect and cultural responsibility. Each name is carefully reviewed to ensure it aligns with te reo Māori conventions – right down to the structure of vowels and consonants, and the presence of macrons.

“Our process includes consultation with kaumātua [elders] and final review by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori [the Māori Language Commission]. Through this collaboration we aim to honour the mana of Māori names.”

– RNZ