Origin
Māori origin; from the Māori language, where 'Ake' can mean 'to carry' or 'to bring'. The name appears in Māori legends and oral histories, often associated with strength and resilience. Notable in Māori culture, it reflects traditional values and storytelling.
Meaning
Literal translation: 'to carry' or 'to bring'. In the Australian context, it symbolizes strength, resilience, and a proactive spirit, resonating with Indigenous cultural values of community and enduring tradition.
Pronunciation
/ˈa-ke/ (Australian English: /ˈaːkɛ/), with emphasis on the first syllable, and a short 'a' as in 'car'. The 'e' is pronounced as in 'bed'. The stress pattern is on the first syllable.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Aki (Japanese origin, unrelated but phonetically similar)
- Ake in Māori script: Ᾱke (macron indicates lengthening)
- No common international variants, but transliterations exist for Māori contexts.
Nicknames
- Akie
- Aki
Name Days
- 5 March (Māori Language Day)
- 18 September (Māori Language Week)
- 26 September (Māori Reo Week)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with ake:
- Tāne and Ake (complementary Māori names)
- Eli and Ake (Australian names with Māori roots)
- James and Ake (traditional Australian names)
Fun Facts
- Ake is a common element in Māori place names and personal names across New Zealand, including the iconic 'Aoraki' (Maunga Aoraki, Mount Cook).
- The name Ake has gained recognition in Australia due to Māori cultural festivals and educational programmes promoting Indigenous awareness.
- Some Australian Māori communities celebrate Māoriday with cultural performances and naming ceremonies that include the name Ake.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name ake:
- Resilient
- Leadership-oriented
- Community-minded
- Honourable
Aesthetic Qualities
Simple, balanced, with a strong phonetic presence. The name's brevity and sharp consonant sounds give it a distinctive, memorable visual and auditory appeal.
Geographical Distribution
Most common within Māori communities in Australia, especially in New South Wales and Queensland, with some usage among broader Indigenous and multicultural populations.
Numerological Significance
Name number 3 (based on Pythagorean numerology), associated with creativity, social interaction, and expression, aligning well with the name's cultural emphasis on community engagement.
Astrological Connections
No specific zodiac association, but individuals named Ake are considered to embody traits linked to Leo and Aries signs—leadership, courage, and vitality.
Historical Context
The name Ake features in Māori legends and oral histories, often associated with stories of bravery, carrying burdens, and community leadership in Māori tradition. It is also found in Australian Māori narratives and diaspora communities. Famous individuals include Ake Ake (fictional character in Māori literature), representing cultural virtues.
Linguistic Adaptability
Maintains its Māori pronunciation in Australian English; transliteration and adaptation are minimal due to its cultural specificity. It sometimes appears in hybrid names blending Māori and Australian elements.
Famous People Named ake
- Ake Ake (Fictional character in Māori literature)
- Ake Tāmaki (Māori leader and cultural ambassador)
- Ake Pārau (Contemporary Māori musician)
Popularity in Australia
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 |