Most popular Maori names for babies revealed

The Department of Internal Affairs has released the top 20 Maori names babies for 2013 in association with Maori Language Week 2014, Te Wiki o te Reo Maori.

The most popular Maori names in 2013 were Nikau for boys and Aria for girls, the Department of Internal Affairs has confirmed.

"The five most popular baby [Maori] names for girls in 2013 were Aria, Maia, Ariana, Anahera and Anika. For boys, the top five Maori names were Nikau, Ari, Wiremu, Niko and Tamati," registrar-general Jeff Montgomery said.

Boys' names have represented the biggest change from 2012: "Ari and Niko did not appear in the 2012 list," Mr Montgomery said.

"For girls' names, Anika has made a large jump from number 18 last year to fifth, and Aria and Maia have swapped first and second place."

The figures were collected from registrations of birth in New Zealand in the 2012-2013 financial year and do not include children born overseas.

"Although there is no need for children born overseas to register their birth in New Zealand, grandparents with mokopuna born in other countries can encourage the parents to register their pepe as New Zealand citizens by descent," Mr Montgomery said. "This enables the child to be recognised as an official New Zealander."

Citizenship by descent is a birthright for all children born overseas who have at least one parent who is a New Zealand citizen by birth or by grant. The only difference between citizenship by descent and any other kind of citizenship is that citizens by descent cannot automatically pass New Zealand citizenship to their children born overseas.

"Registering as a New Zealand citizen by descent is very easy - the application form can be downloaded from www.citizenship.govt.nz. Parents can also call free 0800 22 51 51 for help with any questions they might have."

"This is the second time that this analysis has been carried out between the Department of Internal Affairs and Te Taura Whiri I te Reo Maori.

"Te Wiki o te Reo Maori is a great opportunity to release the top 20 Maori boys and girls names," Mr Montgomery said.

"Maori names are unique in the world - they connect to your history and your whakapapa."
"Maori names are an important way of linking with whakapapa," chief executive of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori Pita Paraone said.

"We're pleased that so many whanau are maintaining tupuna names through the generations. Maori names are a way of connecting with te reo Maori and Maori culture."

The Department of Internal Affairs reminds parents that it's important to register the names of their newborns with the Births, Deaths, Marriages and Citizenship department.

Birth registration is the first official recognition of a baby born in New Zealand and gives newborns rights, privileges and official status under the law.

"It's really important that the birth is registered as soon as possible," Mr Montgomery said.

"It will allow baby to start school, open a bank account and get a New Zealand passport.

The top 20 Maori names for 2013 were:
Boys
1 Nikau
2 Ari
3 Wiremu
4 Niko
5 Tamati
6 Hemi
7 Nikora
8 Te Ariki
9 Rawiri
10 Tane
11 Mikaere
12 Manaia
13 Kahu
14 Tangaroa
15 Kauri
16 Ariki
17 Manaaki
18 Tama
19 Ihaia
20 Matiu

Girls
1 Aria
2 Maia
3 Ariana
4 Anahera
5 Anika
6 Aroha
7 Kora
8 Tia
9 Kaia
10 Ana
11 Ria
12 Tiare
13 Mereana
14 Nia
15 Tui
16 Wikitoria
17 Hinewai
18 Mahi
19 Terina
20 Mareikura