What does Tiki mean and where does it come from?
Tiki is a name that has various meanings across Polynesian cultures. In Maori mythology, 'Tiki' refers to the first man and is a symbol of ancestry. In many Polynesian cultures, tiki figures are often seen as guardians or representations of divine entities. This name is becoming more popular in West
Cultural significance
Tiki has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in New Zealand-speaking communities, where it reflects values of maori.
Peak popularity
Reached #2503 in 1975 — currently #1620 in the US.
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Related Reading
New Zealand-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tiki?
Tiki works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tiki Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tiki Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tiki Claire
French influence · crisp
Tiki Jane
Literary · strong
Tiki Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tiki right now?
Holding steady — currently #1620 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1620 | 580 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1625 | 560 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1630 | 530 | ▲ up 11854 · +10500% births |
| 1990 | #13484 | 5 | ▼ down 9237 · -72% births |
| 1980 | #4247 | 18 | ▼ down 1744 · -44% births |
| 1975 | #2503 | 32 | ▲ up 1699 · +129% births |
| 1970 | #4202 | 14 | ▲ up 1523 · +100% births |
| 1965 | #5725 | 7 | ▼ down 2371 · -53% births |
| 1960 | #3354 | 15 | — |
The story of Tiki
Tiki entered American naming records in 1960 and has been in use for over 64 years. With 379 total births recorded, Tiki remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3354 in 1960 to #1620 in 2023. Tiki is used for both genders: 94% female and 6% male.
Names that peaked alongside Tiki in 1975:
Tiki by decade
Tiki peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 96 | |
| 1970s ★ | 209 | |
| 1980s | 46 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
| 2000s | 23 | |
💎Tiki has only 379 total recorded births since 1960 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Tiki?
What names sound and feel like Tiki?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tiki also consider these
Common questions about the name Tiki
What does the name Tiki mean?
Tiki means "Maori" — a name rooted in New Zealand tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Tiki?
Tiki is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Tiki?
Tiki originates from New Zealand tradition. New Zealand names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Tiki?
Tiki is a two-syllable name pronounced T IY1 K IY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Tiki a common or rare name?
Tiki is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.