| Maori Names | ||||||
| Today I had a chat to my pal Eliza about Maori names. It seems that there are five basic types: - Maori versions of English names e.g. Wiremu (William), Wikitoria (Victoria), Hone (John) - Nature names e.g. Tui (a bird), Ahi (fire) - Word names e.g. Rangimarie (peace), Tunanako (hope), Aroha (love) - Names from mythology/songs/stories e.g. Rangi, Hinemoa, Tutanakae, Tane -Names that are just names! Some names, like Rangi (sky-mother and sky) fit into more than one category (nature and mythology). I intend to collect as many Maori names and meanings as possible! I would appreciate any knowledgable person's help! Post Script: Of the names mentioned above, my favourite is Ahi. I love the gentle cooing sound of it. Unlike harsher English names with similar meaning, such as Blade and Flame, it sounds peaceful, like one of the four elements necessary for life. |
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| Take me back to The Zealand Baby Names Website! | ||||||