New Zealand Origin · Name Guide

61 Beautiful New Zealand Baby Names (With Meanings & Origins)

Browse 61 New Zealand baby names with full meanings, cultural context, and pronunciation.

CP
CheckPregnancy Editorial Team
Updated 2026 · 74,000+ names in our database
👶

The perfect name is out there — we're here to help you find it.

In this article

  1. New Zealand Girl Names
  2. New Zealand Boy Names
  3. New Zealand Unisex Names

New Zealand names carry a rich cultural heritage and distinct phonetic character that makes them both memorable and meaningful.

Quick facts: New Zealand names

  • New Zealand names have a distinct phonetic and cultural identity
  • Many names of this origin appear in multiple Western name traditions
  • The meaning embedded in these names often reflects the culture’s core values
  • These names tend to age well — remaining readable across generations

New Zealand Girl Names

42 girl names of New Zealand origin — showing top 42

1
Avali
English
2
Eowyn
Old English
3
Emele
Samoan
4
Hinaea
the reflection of the moon
5
Inia
a name associated with the rising sun or dawn
6
Kaimarie
sea and Mary
7
Kiore
Māori
8
Keryn
English
9
Kea
Maori
10
Kahia
Referring to the 'Kahikatea', a type of native tree.
11
Keauri
A type of tree (Kauri), symbolizing strength and endurance
12
Kiora
Hello, greetings
13
Keiora
a precious gift; the beauty of life
14
Kaiora
the sea is a source of life, the ocean is alive
15
Makaia
The one who achieves
16
Miriama
Bitterness
17
Mataia
Maori
18
Makea
the first born
19
Maori
Maori
20
Manaia
a guardian or spiritual protector
21
Maraia
Maori
22
Nyree
gift of God
23
Paikea
To be a leader; to have a strong will.
24
Remeka
a name derived from 'mere', meaning 'to be gifted'
25
Rameka
Variant of the name with various meanings depending on context.
26
Savea
Samoan
27
Teari
Maori
28
Taraneka
to be as free as the wind
29
Tiki
Maori
30
Tiaona
A gift from God
31
Tane
Maori
32
Tiarre
A type of flower, related to the gardenia.
33
Teani
A modern variation of the name 'Tiani,' often used in Maori culture.
34
Tiari
crown or adorned
35
Takaia
one who is on top
36
Taea
A beloved name with deep roots
37
Tekera
a combination of the names 'Te' (the) and 'Kera' (spear)
38
Turia
A type of fern
39
Teina
Younger sibling
40
Uinise
dear girl
41
Weta
Insect resembling a grasshopper
42
Yanaya
to be full of joy

New Zealand Boy Names

14 boy names of New Zealand origin — showing top 14

1
Kahawai
A fish that is associated with schools and is often caught for food.
2
Kaimere
the sea
3
Kaiman
A form of the name Cayman, referring to a type of crocodilian.
4
Kiaire
Maori
5
Makauri
the chief, leader
6
Matao
Maori
7
Moa
the extinct bird
8
Matua
father
9
Omaru
Māori
10
Pake
To rely upon, to depend on
11
Tahitoa
one who represents peace
12
Tahi
A place, location
13
Tui
chief
14
Zealand
Sea land

Get your free baby name shortlist

Tell us your style, we'll send 20 names you'll love — curated, not generated.

New Zealand Unisex Names

5 gender-neutral names of New Zealand origin — showing top 5

1
Hemi
Wind
2
Kauri
the name of a native tree
3
Lorde
English
4
Rauri
Famous and powerful
5
Tamauri
Maori

More Name Guides

👧
Popular
Beautiful Girl Baby Names
200+ with meanings
📈
Trends
Trending Baby Names Right Now
Rising fast in 2026
📜
Classic
Vintage Baby Names
Making a comeback