These are the top 20 most popular Maori baby names for boys and girls

Aotearoa is such a special place that we all hold dear to our hearts, so why not look to our indigenous language for some baby name inspiration.

In celebration of Te Wiki o te Reo Maori Maori Language Week 2017, the Department of Internal Affairs has released the top 20 Maori names for babies born both in New Zealand and overseas.

Te Taura Whiri I te reo Maori, the Maori Language Commission, carefully researched each name to confirm it was a Maori name.

Ngahiwi Apanui, chief executive of the Māori Language Commission, said as awareness and value for te reo Māori grew, more children were given Māori names.

"There are a number of reasons parents may give a child a Māori name. For some it may be about carrying on whānau and ancestral names and for others it may be about connecting a child with the land of its birth, Aotearoa.

"This is a positive thing and we look forward to the time when Māori names for all New Zealanders becomes commonplace."

Girls born in Aotearoa:

1. Maia
2. Ariana
3. Manaia
4. Anahera
5. Hana
6. Amaia
7. Aroha
8. Ataahua
9. Tia
10. Ria
11. Tui
12. Kaea
13. Kara
14. Tiare
15. Marekiura
16. Miru
17. Kahurangi
18. Marama
19. Moana
20. Huia

Girls born overseas:

1. Maia
2. Ariana
3. Hei
4. Manaia
5. Aroha
6. Anahera
7. Hana
8. Kaea
9. Noa
10. Tia
11. Tiare
12. Koa
13. Makaia
14. Moana
15. Ahurei
16. Atawhai
17. Kahukura
18. Kai
19. Kara
20. Kataraina

Boys born in Aotearoa:

1. Nikau
2. Ari
3. Kauri
4. Manaia
5. Te Ariki
6. Mikaere
7. Ihaia
8. Rawiri
9. Hemi
10. Tai
11. Kahurangi
12. Kai
13. Nikora
14. Tangaroa
15. Wiremu
16. Anaru
17. Ariki
18. Paora
19. Tama
20. Tane

Boys born overseas:

1. Kai
2. Manaia
3. Ari
4. Nikau
5. Tamati
6. Tane
7. Ariki
8. Kauri
9. Tai
10. Tama
11. Hemi
12. Kaea
13. Matiu
14. Rawiri
15. Mana
16. Manu
17. Teina
18. Wiremu
19. Anaru
20. Hawaiki