Rise of te reo Māori baby names reflects growing cultural revitalisation

The revitalisation of te reo Māori is being reflected in birth registries across Aotearoa, with new data from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) showing a sustained interest in Māori names for pēpi. According to DIA figures released on 20 July 2026, the number of Māori names registered to newborns has remained stable at approximately 18,300 per year between 2021 and 2026, marking a significant rise from around 15,300 a decade ago. Interdisciplinary Māori academic Dr. Karaitiana Taiuru (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Toa) attributes this growth to the kōhanga reo movement, which has helped reclaim personal names and boost the language's popularity. The data highlights that ‘Ariki’ and its variations remain the most popular choice for tama (boys), while ‘Maia’ leads for kōtiro (girls). Other frequently chosen names include ‘Aroha’, ‘Moana’, ‘Koa’, and ‘Wiremu’. Māori naming practices are deeply significant, often connected to family history, tūpuna (ancestors), and the whenua (land). For instance, former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern gifted her daughter the middle name ‘Te Aroha’ to reflect support from iwi and to honour the Waikato region. Dr. Taiuru notes that while the increased use of te reo is positive, it comes with a responsibility to understand tikanga. He advises against using names of deities like Papatūānuku or sacred geographic and whānau names, which are considered tapu. Speaking to RNZ, Dr. Taiuru expressed a welcoming view toward non-Māori using te reo names, provided the process is respectful and avoids appropriation. He emphasizes that as long as parents research meanings and seek cultural guidance, the trend serves as a beautiful expression of appreciation for the language. To support this, Dr. Taiuru has developed a curated list of Māori baby names to ensure parents have access to culturally appropriate information.