Find out how popular the first name Paikea has been for the last 4 years (from 2004 to 2007) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Paikea by gender

Based on the last 4 years of data, Paikea is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2007, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Paikea.

The history of the first name Paikea

Paikea is a name with its origins in the Māori language of New Zealand. The name is believed to have emerged during the 14th century, when the Polynesian ancestors of the Māori people first settled in New Zealand. It is derived from the Māori words "pai," meaning good or worthy, and "kea," which is a species of alpine parrot native to the country.

The name Paikea holds significant cultural and historical significance in Māori mythology. According to legend, Paikea was the name of a young boy who survived a perilous journey across the Pacific Ocean by riding on the back of a whale. This story is deeply ingrained in Māori oral tradition and is often recounted as a testament to the resilience and bravery of the Māori people.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Paikea can be found in the writings of early European explorers who encountered the Māori people in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These accounts describe encounters with individuals bearing the name, suggesting its widespread use among the Māori at the time.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Paikea. One such figure was Paikea Tūhāhā (c. 1790-1860), a prominent Māori chief and leader from the Ngāti Porou tribe. He was renowned for his diplomatic skills and played a crucial role in negotiating peace between various tribes during a period of conflict.

Another historical figure was Paikea Te Awaitaia (c. 1820-1890), a Māori leader and expert in traditional woodcarving. He was highly respected for his artistic abilities and contributed significantly to the preservation of Māori cultural traditions through his intricate woodcarvings.

In the realm of modern entertainment, Paikea Hartstone (born 1992) is a notable New Zealand actor and filmmaker. He has starred in several Māori-language films and television series, helping to promote and celebrate Māori culture on the global stage.

Additionally, Paikea Kaa (born 1985) is a renowned Māori artist and sculptor. Her works often draw inspiration from traditional Māori motifs and explore themes of identity, culture, and connection to the land.

Finally, Paikea Apiti (1933-2017) was a respected Māori elder and leader of the Ngāti Maniapoto tribe. He dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Māori language, customs, and traditions, and was highly regarded for his wisdom and commitment to his community.

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 Paikea was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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