852+ Maori Last Names: Unraveling the Rich Cultural Legacy

Maori last names, also called “whakapapa” or “whanau names,” are important to the indigenous people of New Zealand.

These names show connections to ancestors and tribes. Maori last names often talk about family history, places, or special events.

They are a way of keeping the Maori culture alive. Some names might be about mountains, rivers, or personal qualities. Today, these names help people feel a strong tie to their Maori roots and connect to their heritage.

Top Maori Last Names

Prominent among the Maori people of New Zealand, notable last names include Te Hira, Rangi, and Ngaio. Reflecting rich cultural heritage, these surnames often carry historical significance, connecting individuals to their ancestors and tribal roots. Each name encapsulates a unique narrative within the vibrant tapestry of Maori identity.

Maori Last Names and Meaning

Maori last names, known as “whakapapa,” hold profound cultural significance. These names often trace lineage, connecting individuals to their ancestors and tribal heritage. Each name encapsulates a rich narrative, reflecting the family’s history, accomplishments, and spiritual connections, embodying the essence of Maori identity and cultural pride.

Maori Last Name	Meaning
Rangi	Sky or heavens
Whenua	Land or territory
Tangaroa	God of the sea
Aroha	Love or compassion
Tane	God of forests and birds
Hau	Wind
Tama	Son or young man
Wahine	Woman or wife
Whare	House or building
Pukapuka	Book or literature
Kowhai	Yellow, also a native tree
Pouri	Dark or gloomy
Hikurangi	A mountain in New Zealand
Whakapapa	Genealogy or ancestry
Ata	Morning or dawn
Taonga	Treasure or prized possession
Poutama	Stairway or ladder
Awhina	Support or help
Rua	Pit or hole
Rongo	Peace or tranquility

Maori Surname

Maori surnames hold rich cultural significance, often reflecting ancestral connections and tribal affiliations. Derived from personal attributes, locations, or notable events, these names carry a profound sense of identity within the Maori community. Each surname tells a unique story, contributing to the tapestry of Maori heritage and tradition.

Unique Maori Last Names

Maori last names, or “whakapapa,” reflect rich cultural heritage. Unique and meaningful, they often convey ancestral connections and traditions. Examples include Rewiti, meaning “to bind or secure,” and Tawhiri, associated with the god of weather. These names encapsulate the Maori people’s profound connection to their land, history, and spirituality.

Traditional Māori Names

Traditional Māori names hold deep cultural significance, often reflecting genealogy, land, or personal attributes. Each name is a narrative, connecting individuals to their ancestors and the natural world. The Māori language, Te Reo, enriches these names, preserving a vital aspect of New Zealand’s indigenous heritage and fostering a sense of identity.

Popular Maori Last Names

Popular Maori last names often reflect the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people of New Zealand. Common surnames include Smith, Williams, and Jones, alongside unique ones like Tāne, Hāre, and Rangi. These names often carry deep ancestral connections, preserving the Maori identity through generations.

Common Māori Last Names

Common Māori last names often reflect cultural and familial ties. Popular surnames include “Smith” (Hepi), “Jones” (Hōne), and “Williams” (Wiremu). Additionally, names may incorporate nature elements like “Rangi” (sky) or “Whenua” (land). These surnames carry rich historical significance, connecting individuals to their Māori heritage and whakapapa (genealogy).

• Smith (Hepi)
• Jones (Hōne)
• Williams (Wiremu)
• Brown (Paraone)
• Taylor (Tere)
• Davis (Tāwhiri)
• Wilson (Wiremu)
• Anderson (Ānatahana)
• Harris (Hāri)
• Thompson (Tomihana)
• Walker (Wākara)
• King (Kingi)
• Clark (Kara)
• White (Waiti)
• Bennett (Pene)
• Cooper (Kūpā)
• Turner (Tana)
• Adams (Ātama)
• Mitchell (Mihikara)
• Thomas (Tāmihana)
• Martin (Matini)
• Robinson (Ropitini)
• Hall (Hāra)
• Hughes (Hūhi)
• Stewart (Tihema)
• Baker (Pēke)
• McKenzie (Makini)
• Fisher (Whiti)
• Palmer (Pāmara)
• Miller (Mira)
• Murray (Meri)
• Simpson (Himipene)
• Hill (Hira)
• Adams (Ātama)
• Evans (Iwini)
• Phillips (Filipi)
• Lee (Rī)
• Kelly (Kere)
• Pearson (Pīhihana)
• Jackson (Hakihona)
• Marshall (Marō)
• Fox (Wakahuia)
• Hayes (Heihi)
• Bennett (Pene)
• Green (Kere)
• Price (Pere)
• Ross (Roa)
• Cooper (Kūpā)
• Palmer (Pāmara)
• Murphy (Māfi)
• Wilson (Wiremu)
• Turner (Tana)
• Reed (Rīti)
• Butler (Pata)
• Day (Tei)
• Hayes (Heihi)
• Campbell (Kāmuira)
• Taylor (Tere)
• Young (Yangi)
• Harris (Hāri)

Beautiful Maori Last Names

Maori last names, known as “whakapapa,” are imbued with rich cultural significance. These names often reflect ancestral connections, tribal affiliations, and geographic roots.

With melodious sounds and deep meanings, Maori surnames celebrate the enduring beauty of Aotearoa’s indigenous culture, fostering a profound sense of identity and heritage for the bearers.

Rangi	Tamati
Whenua	Hau
Aroha	Pene
Tane	Rua
Tangaroa	Whare
Rongo	Paki
Ngahere	Manu
Tama	Hine
Kowhai	Pere
Wairua	Tawhiri
Tawhaki	Ngaio
Waiata	Tui
Puna	Raumati
Poutama	Kauri
Toa	Huka
Papatuanuku	Karaka
Kahu	Tikitiki
Maunga	Te Aroha
Awhina	Arohanui
Whanau	Raukura
Kotuku	Pohutukawa
Whetu	Tangihanga
Rauru	Marumaru
Aotearoa	Matangi
Rereahu	Rangiwhakaahu
Whakapapa	Mahana
Te Kaha	Ora
Wairere	Ataahua
Hikurangi	Te Hau
Korowai	Hapuku
Hinepukohurangi	Tane Mahuta
Kaitiaki	Tiaki
Tupuna	Awhi
Kaha	Tama-nui-te-ra
Tuhoe	Ngaru
Tuwharetoa	Tangihia
Whakaari	Hinewai
Kahurangi	Ruapehu
Tuarangi	Kaitangata
Waimarama	Matawhaura
Uenuku	Rauhina
Tamure	Te Wai Pounamu
Whariki	Kowhiti
Kahukura	Marama
Te Maari	Ngakau
Rangitoto	Waihuka
Tangihia	Whenua
Tangimoana	Whakarongo
Tuakana	Te Moana
Mahuhu	Kaitiaki
Kaituhi	Tuhinga
Tuwhare	Rongoa
Pounamu	Whanau
Kaitiaki	Te Aroha
Wahine	Hapuku

Most Common Maori Last Names

The most common Maori last names often reflect the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people of New Zealand. Surnames like Smith (Hepi), Jones (Hoani), and Williams (Wiremu) are prevalent, showcasing a blend of traditional Maori language with influences from European settlers. These names carry historical significance and familial connections.

Cool Maori Last Names

The connection between the people of New Zealand is expressed through the Māori language, which is still spoken by most Māori today. Māori culture is centered around whanau, extended family, and community. Some of the cool Maori last names are given in the list below.

Inia – A body of water.

Ahurewa – A sacred place.

Huatare – Huatare is the name of a famous chief.

Akenehi – Chaste and pure

Hine – Hine is a Maori word for girl.

Ihapera – My God is a vow

Hehu – God rescues

Aroha – Love,mercy; one who is compassionate individual

Airini – Peace, a woman of a peaceful nature.

Aranga – Maori word for Easter.

Herbert

Morrison

Appleton

Patten

Kallaway

Rogers

Benjamin

Charlton

Mackay

New Zealand

Green

Barclay

Panapa

Duggan

Moorefield

Wakefield

Dickson

Lawrence

Peachey

Bell

Archinal

King

Larsen

Canning

Caroll

Stace

Pearce

Baron

Clark

Parnwell

Harvey

Clinton

Thostenson

Carson

Herd. Hewett

Stanner

Barrett

Harrison

Love

Law

Rua

Salmon

Twiss

Cannon

Orr

Gillespie

Andrews

Creasey

Burleigh

Corlett

McLeod

Grassman

Lancaster

Pearson

McIntosh

Henderson

Fenton

Dwyer

Metzger

Goodin

Rolleston

Pask

Hymen

Murphy

Thomason

Cochrane

Rooij

Stephens

Hollander

Lundy

Reid

McBride

Vaughan

Barton

Gow

Markoni-Lyons

Bennetts

McNamara

Shearer

Parker

Rimmer

McMinn-Collard

Ralston

Boekman

McGaughey

Hart

Aotearoa

Reynolds

Warren

Schenkel

Fun fact –  Schinkel was one of the most prominent architects of Germany and designed both neoclassical and neo gothic buildings.

Catchy Maori Last Names

Maori have a deep spiritual connection to the land, with the belief that all aspects of the world are connected and that the land has a spiritual presence. Are you looking for some catchy Maori last names? Here is the list of some catchy Maori last names.

Ihaia – God is salvation

Erihapeti – Helper or supporter

Ahika – means sustaining and enhancing a place 

Hahona – Healer

Arihi – A woman of noble kind

Aihe – Dolphin in Maori language.

Iorama – God is exalted

Anahera – The majestic and powerful angel

Iotama – God is perfect.

Anewa – To fall

Brown

Maori

Barnes

Bason

Grant

Gadsby

Ryan

Cameron

Harris

Clement

Pigott

Lewis

Bowman

Flintoft

Brenton

Brelsford

McCaughan

Pottle

Erenstrom

Estall

Barnett

Gallagher

Ball

Maddison

Brady

Harbuck

Cross

Monin

Miller

Mackie

Dixon

Nicely

Martin

Hanham

Ahnau

Stretch

Chapman

Klaassen

Boyd

Frampton

Rapana

Coker

Stacey

Meyers

Logan

Heckenlaible

Irving

Kliskey

McKinney

Cooke

Edwards

Dewson

Hancock

Prestidge

Walker

Findlay

Bates

Deed

McIlraith

Hodgkinson

Holloway

Timms

Eccles

Rowe

Cone

Cookson

Fletcher

Pierson

Bertram

Shephard

Fleming

Bourne

Ross

Parata

Harford

McGregor

Archer

Kerr

Hanlon

McKenzie

Tunnicliffe

Ormsby

Fergusson

Wagner

Forsyth

Crooks

Patterson

Miles

Cooze

Gray

Fun fact – Grey is the color of a cloud-covered sky, cement, pencil, writing of ash and of lead.

Best Maori Last Names

The use of Maori last names is not limited to Māori people. Non-Māori people can also adopt a Māori last name to show respect to the indigenous people of New Zealand. Some of the best Maori last names are listed below.

Apera – Breath

Kahikatea – Pine tree found in New Zealand. A variation of Kahikatea.

Haeatatanga – Light beam

Iarere – To descend, or the descendant

Hana – Arabic for “happiness,” and Japanese for “flower,” Korean for “One, First, Consistency,” and Hawaiian for “work

Hohepa – He will enlarge

Kahu – Harrier hawk, or cloak

Arataki – The leader, a man with leadership qualities.

Ietoro – Pre-eminence

Aperahama – Father of a mighty nation

Alpe

Hunter

Crowther

Farrelly

Carrell

Stoddard

Morriss

Ruddenklau

Slater

Prou

Ewart

Strauss

Paris

Pyle

More

Maxwell

Barnetta

Parrott

THORBURN

Potts

Forrest

Rowntree

Gladstone

Morton

Cavanagh

Oldbury

Simmonds

Plunkett

Gaunt

Riddell

Sullivan

Linnett

Jury

Bury

Caldwell

Gillanders

Delaney

Warn-Screach

Verrall

Elliot

Kellaway

Kesterton

Brickland

Bayley

Sewell

Buckingham

Roberts

Pitts

Rae

Menzies

Carr

Rae-Venter

Schumacher

Dunn

Brewer

McGinty

Burgess

Heu

Coakley

Venter

Fraser

Foss

Pell

Karaitiana

Manley

Gargiulo

Patient

Fairweather

Ramírez

Cole

Collins

Bishop

Hugtenburg

Baker

Paterson

Māori

Isaac

Aldous

Power

Short

Gordon

Ramshaw

Ferguson

Curtis

Duncan

Creamer

Darnley

Bone

Sutherland

Forrestall

Fun fact – Forests are home to over 80 percent of land animals and plants, covering 31 percent of the world’s total land area. 

Amazing Maori Last Names

All Māori belong to a tribe or iwi, and each iwi has a traditional area of settlement, which is seen as part of their ancestral homeland. It is very hard to find some amazing Maori last names so to make it easy here is the list of some amazing Maori last names. 

Aoatea – Dawn

Kahuiwi – Cloak particular to a certain tribe in New Zealand.

Arorangi – To heaven

Ikaroa – The long part of a fish

Ihu – God rescues

Kakarauri – Dusk, or garment of darkness

Arikiwi – Cloak made of kiwi feathers.

Kaheru – Digging instrument, or decorative wreath

Awi – A Maori word for ivy.

Iwi – Nation, tribe or realm

Johnson

Breton

Shirley

Bestic

Jakowetz

Langlois

Marsh

O’Connor

Porteous

Reeve

Marshall

Henry

Tye

Banks

Benson

Leahey

Busby

McGLINCHY

Park

Hamilton

Vanmeer

McGaveston

McNie

Cournane

Madsen

Langford

Pederson

Stables

Thornton

King-Turner

Swan

McIntyre

Tipuna

Gillies

Calvert

Jack

Palmer

Douglas

Smyth

Nisbet

Hall

Lindsay

Morris

Mines

Bridgeman

Amos

Lysle

Iles

Lang

Butler

Riddle

Eade

Rangihika

Sealy-Fisher

Packer

Buist

Lyons

Shone

Waddick

Cook

Davis

Basile

Irwin

Spinner

Boelman

Reed

Townsend

Porter

Kruishoop

Lambert

Franklyn

Scott

Turner

Clayton

Percival

Stratford

Sykes

Peterson

Stevenson

Morgenthaler

Smith

Paul

Cassels

Curran

Hair

Tervit

Macdonald

McDonald

Parkes

Gilbert

Fun fact – The population of gilbert was a mere 5,717 back in 1980 despite of having a small city 

Awesome Maori Last Names

Maori last names are usually a combination of words, often referring to an ancestor or to a geographical area. These names are commonly passed down from generation to generation within a family or taken from a prominent ancestor in the family’s past.

Atarangi – Morning sky

Haimona – Listening

Etera – Aid or help

Iraia – The God wrestler

Hoana – God is gracious and merciful.

Kaihautu – Leader, a man or woman with leadership qualities

Ataahua – A beautiful girl

Aputa – Open spaces

Kaia – Kaia name means The Sea

Aperira – Aperira is the Maori form of April.

Schroeter

Sheehan

Laws

Mudford

Duffy

Dalzell

Olsen

Low

Robinson

Maben-Whear

Beson

Schoer

Panther

Compton

Clarke

Kett

Puckey

Chua

Paxton

McIlwain

Anderson

Keighley

Bush-King

Jowsey

Manning

Holland

Stanley

Thompson

Atkinson

Cooper

Jolliffe

Donaldson

Halbert

Memory

Jensen

Swaysland

Milne

Knapp

Cornell

Hawken

Heddle

McKain

Lynch

Critchley

Cavanaugh

Gibson

Stowers

Simms

Hicks

Petrin

Wasey

Dumbar

Sours

Fowler

Stitchbury

Coates

Verissimo

Dear

Farrales

Rice

Spragg

Black

Brodie

Fischer

Toopi

McLaren

Rye

Harker

Sampson

Spicer

Valentine

Furkert

Edmonds

Hutching

Moore

Leighton

Hansen

McMullen

Conn

Needham

Tomlinson

Gamble

Nolan

Moodie

Bavin

Nelson

Hawkins

Jacob

Dawson

Rose

Fun fact – Roses are one of the oldest flowers in the history of human era whose fragrance is used in perfumes.

Conclusion

Maori last names are important as they carry deep cultural meaning, representing family ties, land, and tribal bonds. These names are a vital part of Maori heritage, symbolizing a strong connection to history and identity. Preserving and respecting these names is crucial for maintaining Maori pride and a sense of belonging.

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