There were 56,013 birth registered in Aotearoa for 2021 [wow] with a total of 16,790 different first names. I know how much thought is put into naming your sweet new babe so, if you're after some inspiration [or perhaps you're after something more original] here are New Zealand's most popular baby names for 2021 released by Te Tara Taiwhenua, The Department of Internal Affairs
Boys
- Oliver
- Noah
- Jack
- Leo
- George
- Charlie
- Lucas
- Theodore
- William
- Luca
Girls
- Charlotte
- Isla
- Amelia
- Olivia
- Ava
- Willow
- Lila
- Isabella
- Mila
- Ella
Māori Boy
- Nikau
- Ari
- Niko
- Koa
- Mateo
- Keanu
- Mikaere
- Manaia
- Kairo
- Kiwa
Māori Girl
- Mia
- Aria
- Maia
- Aurora
- Amaia
- Kiara
- Kaia
- Amara
- Kora
- Maria
It's so exciting dreaming up baby names in pregnancy, some will decide on a name quickly, others will have a short list they'll choose from and some will receive a wee reminder letter because they haven't decided - here in New Zealand babies must be registered within 2 months of being born. I'd like to offer you a few more suggestions when considering baby names;
- Check your family trees
- Write it down, look for unfortunately initials and say it out loud
- Don't worry too much about popularity, if you love it then use it
Image by Elizabeth Jackson @_elizajackson