Find out how popular the first name Te has been for the last 11 years (from 1991 to 2001) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Te by gender

Based on the last 11 years of data, Te is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2001, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Te.

The history of the first name Te

The name Te has its origins in the Māori language, which is spoken by the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. The name is thought to have derived from the word "te," which means "the" in Māori. It is believed to have been a common prefix used in Māori names, often combined with other words to form a complete name.

In Māori culture, names were traditionally chosen to reflect an individual's connection to their family, tribe, or significant events. The name Te may have been used as a prefix to denote a person's affiliation with a particular group or to commemorate a specific occasion.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Te can be found in the oral traditions and genealogies of the Māori people, which date back several centuries. These oral histories often included the names of important ancestors and leaders, providing insights into the significance and prevalence of certain names.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Te. One example is Te Rauparaha, a renowned Māori chief and warrior who lived in the early 19th century (c. 1770-1849). He played a crucial role in the Musket Wars, a series of conflicts that shaped the power dynamics among various Māori tribes.

Another prominent figure was Te Whiti o Rongomai (c. 1830-1907), a Māori leader and nonviolent resistance pioneer who advocated for the rights of his people against the encroachment of European settlers in the late 19th century. His peaceful campaigns against land confiscation and colonization left a lasting impact on New Zealand's history.

In the realm of arts and culture, Te Rangihiroa (1877-1951), also known as Sir Peter Buck, was a distinguished Māori scholar, anthropologist, and writer. He made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Māori cultural practices, language, and traditions.

Te Puea Herangi (1883-1952) was a influential Māori leader and activist who played a pivotal role in the revival of Māori arts, crafts, and cultural practices in the early 20th century. She was also instrumental in the establishment of the Māori King Movement, which sought to promote Māori sovereignty and self-determination.

Lastly, Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate (1921-2014) was a respected Māori academic, writer, and broadcaster who dedicated her life to preserving and promoting the Māori language and culture. She authored numerous books and articles, and her work contributed significantly to the revitalization of the Māori language and cultural identity.

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

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

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