July 23, 2014
Nikau and Aria most popular pepi names
For the second year in a row Nikau was the most popular name for Maori boy babies last year.
For girl pepi, the lead switched from Maia to Aria.
The third most popular girl’s name in 2012, Manaia, dropped right out of the top 20 for 2013, with Ariana taking the number three spot, followed by Anahera and Anika.
For boys, the runners up were Ari, the ever popular Wiremu, Niko and Tamati.
Department of Internal Affairs registrar general of births, deaths and marriages Jeff Montgomery says the figures are collected from registrations of birth in New Zealand in the 2012-2013 financial year and do not include children born overseas.
There is no need for children born overseas to register their birth in New Zealand, but expatriate parents can register their pepe which allows them to be recognised as an official New Zealander.
Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori chief executive Pita Paraone says the Maori language commission is pleased so many whanau are maintaining tupuna names through the generations.
He says Maori names are an important way of linking with whakapapa and 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 Births Deaths Marriages and Citizenship.
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.
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