Aboriginal and Māori Names: The Rising Influence and Popularity in Australia and New Zealand.
In today’s multicultural Australia and New Zealand, baby name trends are evolving – and indigenous names from Aboriginal and Māori cultures are quietly, but confidently, gaining traction. These names carry a sense of place, heritage and connection to land that’s impossible to ignore.
What Makes Aboriginal and Māori Names Unique?
Aboriginal names come from the hundreds of diverse language groups across Australia, each with its own sounds, stories and meanings. Many of these names reflect nature, family or Dreamtime legends. Māori names, rooted in Aotearoa (New Zealand), are often poetic and symbolic, connecting children to ancestors and to the land itself.
It’s not just about beautiful sounds – these names are living pieces of culture. Choosing one is often a tribute to community, resilience and identity.
More Than Just a Trend
For many Indigenous families, using an Aboriginal or Māori name is a way to keep language and tradition alive. For non-Indigenous parents, it’s a chance to celebrate the depth and diversity of the land they call home – but it’s also a choice that should come with genuine respect and understanding.
Recently, there’s been a noticeable lift in the visibility of these names. Celebrities, public figures and everyday parents are exploring them not as “exotic novelties”, but as meaningful options. There’s a sense that, finally, mainstream Australia and New Zealand are ready to celebrate First Nations cultures in everyday life.
Are These Names Really Getting More Popular?
While hard statistics are limited – especially for Australia, where Indigenous names remain under-reported – the interest is definitely growing. Social media, name forums and popular baby name websites all show increased searches for names like Kirra, Marli, Jedda, Yindi (Australia), and Aria, Manaia, Tama, Moana (New Zealand).
In some regions, Māori names regularly appear in the top 100 baby names. In Australia, schools and childcare centres are seeing more kids with names reflecting local language and place.
Some Popular Aboriginal and Māori Names
Aboriginal names:
- Kirra (leaf or dancing leaf, also a beach)
- Marli (swan)
- Jedda (little wild goose)
- Yindi (sun)
- Alinta (flame, fire)
- Jarrah (type of tree)
Māori names:
- Aria (song, melody)
- Manaia (guardian spirit)
- Tama (boy, son)
- Moana (ocean, sea)
- Aroha (love)
- Rangi (sky)
Each name carries its own story – a connection to country, family or ancient legend.
Barriers and Conversations
Despite rising popularity, many families are still cautious. Using an Indigenous name can sometimes spark conversations about cultural appropriation, authenticity or pronunciation. There’s also the reality that not every name is meant to be used outside the community – some words are sacred or deeply private.
A growing number of naming guides and websites now include pronunciation notes, meaning explanations and cultural context, helping parents make informed, respectful choices.
Looking Ahead
The future looks promising. As Australia and New Zealand continue their journey toward reconciliation and cultural understanding, embracing Aboriginal and Māori names feels like a small, but powerful, step forward. These names enrich classrooms, sports teams and family gatherings with stories that go back thousands of years.
The rise of Indigenous names isn’t just a trend – it’s a celebration of place, history and the unique spirit of this part of the world.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re searching for a name that reflects your heritage or simply want to honour the culture of the land, Aboriginal and Māori names offer a world of beauty and meaning. The key is always respect: learn the stories, ask for guidance, and let every name tell its true story.