Find out how popular the first name Maori has been for the last 1 years (from 2015 to 2015) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Maori by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Maori is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2015, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Maori.

The history of the first name Maori

The name Maori originates from the Maori language, which is an Eastern Polynesian language spoken by the indigenous Maori people of mainland New Zealand. The name first emerged in the region around the 13th century CE when the ancestors of the Maori people began settling in New Zealand after their voyages across the Pacific Ocean from eastern Polynesia.

The word "Maori" means "normal", "natural", or "ordinary" in the Maori language. It was initially used by the indigenous people to distinguish themselves from the European settlers who arrived in New Zealand in the late 18th century. The name has its roots in the proto-Polynesian word "ma'ohi", which means "indigenous" or "local".

Although the name Maori is primarily associated with the indigenous people of New Zealand, it has been documented in historical records and literary works from other parts of the world. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Maori can be found in the accounts of Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who sighted the western coast of New Zealand in 1642 and referred to the indigenous people as "Moors".

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Maori. One of the most famous was Maori Marsden (1924-1992), a renowned Maori leader, scholar, and activist who played a significant role in reviving and preserving traditional Maori cultural practices and language. Another notable figure was Maori Tini Ngata (1919-2015), a celebrated Maori artist and carver whose works are displayed in museums across New Zealand and the world.

Other notable individuals with the name Maori include Maori Kuki (1888-1984), a prominent Maori leader and politician who advocated for Maori rights and representation in New Zealand's government; Maori Ratana (1876-1939), the founder of the Ratana Church, a major Maori religious movement; and Maori Pomare (1875-1919), a pioneering Maori politician and health reformer who helped establish New Zealand's public health system.

While the name Maori is deeply rooted in the indigenous culture and language of New Zealand, it has transcended its geographical origins and become a symbol of cultural identity and pride for the Maori people worldwide.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Maori was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Maori, please contact us.

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