Generate culturally authentic Māori names for your stories, characters, or creative projects.
In precontact Māori culture, names could stem from ancestors, lineage, the natural world, mythology, characteristics, words with significant meanings, or events. Names might also have changed over time or in response to significant events.
The use of Māori names was seriously affected by colonization, with many Māori forced to or choosing to take European names. However, there has been a resurgence in people using Māori given names in recent years as they move to reclaim their heritage.
Māori communities didn’t use fixed family/surnames until European colonizers spread the practice. Surnames were then drawn from a range of sources, including ancestors’ names, places, descriptors, translations, or transliterations of Western names.
Māori naming practices are deeply entwined with Māori culture and may differ from group to group, so it would be a sensible idea to do some further research to ensure you’re handling the topic accurately and respectfully.
Using a Māori name generator helps you find authentic and meaningful names that reflect the Māori language (te reo Māori), culture, and traditions of Aotearoa New Zealand.
✅ Save time: Instantly explore a variety of genuine Māori names without needing to search through linguistic or cultural databases.
🎯 Cultural accuracy: Our generator reflects real Māori naming conventions, often inspired by nature, ancestry, and spiritual meaning.
💡 Creative inspiration: Perfect for authors, screenwriters, and game creators seeking authentic Polynesian or Oceanic character names.
⚙️ Customizable results: Filter names by gender, meaning, or tone—from ancient Māori names to modern ones used across Aotearoa.
🛑 Avoid clichés: Go beyond generic “island” names and use genuine Māori ones that bring authenticity, depth, and respect to your writing.
Let’s look at some typical examples from Māori culture and heritage:
Aria Rangi
Tama Hōne
Moana Te Rito
Manaia Wikitera
Hemi Rawiri
Anahera Kauri
Wiremu Tāne
Kiri Mahuta
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