Huggies reveal the most gorgeous Māori baby names for boys and girls

There are some beautiful names in the Māori language, with all kinds of lovely meanings behind them.

Huggies have unveiled a list of the most gorgeous Māori monikers for both boys and girls - names that could be perfect if you're expecting your pēpē soon and want them to grow up appreciating their Kiwi heritage and te reo Māori.  

Huggies also suggests that you don't have to be Māori yourself to choose a Māori name for your baby. "Kiwis descended from other nationalities love Māori names too!" they write on their website.

And when it comes to babies, you have to admit, Huggies - the nappy company - probably know a thing or two.

Girls names and their possible meanings: 

Ahorangi – means "enlightened" in Maori
Airini – "peace"
Aihe – "dolphin"
Anahera – "angel"
Ahurewa – "sacred place"
Arataki – "to lead"
Areta – "noble"
Aroha – "love"
Amiria – "hard worker" & the Maori version of Amelia
Arorangi – "to heaven"
Atarangi – "morning sky"
Haeata – "dawn"
Hahana – "radiant light"
Hauku – "dew"
Hokaka – "desired"
Hine – "girl”
Marika – "quiet, careful"
Mahuika – the Maori Goddess of Fire!
Marama – "moon"
Ngaio – "clever"
Ngaire – silver fern
Pania – a beautiful sea maiden in a Maori myth
Whina – "helper"

Boys names and their possible meanings: 

Arapeta – "noble, famous"
Arana – "rock"
Amiri – "from the east wind"
Hare – "manly"
Hahona – "healer"
Hemi – a Maori version of James
Hehu – "rescued by God"
Henare – "rules the home"
Irirangi – "spirit voice"
Maaka – the Maori version of Mark 
Marama – "moonlight"
Matiu – "gift from God"
Tipene – the Maori version of Steven
Pita – this Maori version of Peter also embodies the qualities of stone or rock
Rawiri – "beloved"
Ropata – "bright fame"
Rua – "lake"
Ruru – morepork, NZ’s native owl
Rongo – God of Peace
Tane Mahuta – God of the forest
Tangaroa – God of the sea, rivers and lakes