Maori Baby Name Ideas
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Category: Pregnant
Forum Name: Pregnancy
Forum Description: Pregnant! Wanting to chat to other mums-to-be (or dads-to-be)? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas... This is that place!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=34232
Printed Date: 25 July 2025 at 2:44pm
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Topic: Maori Baby Name Ideas
Posted By: blessedwiththebest
Subject: Maori Baby Name Ideas
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 9:36am
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We're still in the very early stages of pregnancy... but my partner & I cant help getting excited!
I come from a Pakeha family & DP is Maori. We have been thinking about Maori names for our first bubba - BUT we would like some help/suggestions 
So far, if it's a boy, we like the names Neihana (Nathan) & Ihaia (Isaiah). The middle name will be "Te Rangiao" after DP's Koro. For a girl, I quite like Hana (Hannah) & Raiha (Eliza). Just wondering if anyone else out there has any ideas? ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Replies:
Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 9:45am
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My fav name for a boy is Ngarangi my fav girls name is Anahera. ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year  http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 10:44am
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Hana is very pretty! Or Aroha or Ata
I really like Hemi for a boy or Henare We started thinking about names after out first scan and had the name all sorted by the time we found out gender. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Delli
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 10:53am
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I also love Hana for a girls name. Or Ana.
Wiremu or Anaru for a boy. Others I like are Huikau (girl), Kaitahu (boy) and Ngatai (boy). And also Mika and Hirere (both girls) ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: blessedwiththebest
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 11:05am
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Oooh thank you everyone! I'm loving all these suggestions. I'll start a list so people can just copy & paste, then add to it. Nic I hadn't thought of Henare - I quite like that!
DP has a few cousins called Anaru, Anahera & Ngarangi... I love the names but we want something that no one else in the whanau has used
BOYS Neihana Ihaia Te Rangiao Ngarangi Hemi Henare Wiremu Anaru Kaitahu Ngatai GIRLS Hana Raiha Anahera Aroha Ata Ana Huikau Mika Hirere Keep 'em coming! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 11:10am
Ooh Wiremu! Yeah that's a good name! 
(I'm not Maori but know a few names etc) ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: babybrain
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 11:47am
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I have added my middle name which gets me a lot of compliments... Kimiora
BOYS Neihana Ihaia Te Rangiao Ngarangi Hemi Henare Wiremu Anaru Kaitahu Ngatai GIRLS Hana Raiha Anahera Aroha Ata Ana Huikau Mika Hirere Kimiora ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: rachaels
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 11:49am
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http://www.waikato.ac.nz/library/resources/nzc/fletcher/A1.shtml
These aren't just names but the thing I do appreciate about Maori names is that they are quite often names of a place or significant object. You might find something you like
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Posted By: Delli
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 11:50am
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Forgot to add my favourite maori girls name which is Erena. We had that pegged as a middle name if Jude was going to be a girl.
I'm not Maori either but grew up on the East Coast and went to a Kura Kaupapa, so also know a few names ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: kriss
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 12:17pm
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I really like Koha.
Here are a few others: Kai Kauri Raniera Hoani Nikau Hone Apirana Hinenui Whenua Nikora Tamihana Tamati Roha (boy's version of Aroha) Poihakena Manuka Renata Marino Marama Tui I'll keep thinking! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
 Little Angel, April 10
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Posted By: Mucky_Tiger
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 12:18pm
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boy=
renata remi___ (what ever ending you like that has more meaning) |
Posted By: arohanui
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 12:55pm
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I really like Tikihana - my eldest boy's middle name. My youngest's is Te Whiwhi, but that wouldn't really go with your middle name. ------------- Mama to DS1 (5 years), DS2 (3 years) and... http://alterna-tickers.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: blessedwiththebest
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 1:16pm
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BOYS
Neihana Ihaia Te Rangiao Ngarangi Hemi Henare Wiremu Anaru Kaitahu Ngatai Renata Remi Tikihana Te WhiWhi Koha Kai Kauri Raniera Hoani Apirana Hone Whenua Nikora Tamihana Tamati Roha (boy's version of Aroha) Poihakena Manuka Renata Marino Marama Tui GIRLS Hana Raiha Anahera Aroha Ata Ana Huikau Mika Hirere Kimiora Erena Hinenui Kama I hope I put all the names in the right list - some of them might be unisex?? Loving the ideas so far, thanks ladies. Kimiora & Erena are BEAUTIFUL names! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 3:13pm
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I really like Erena too!
I just thought of another one Turanga (went to school with a guy) we all called him Tu for short. Or Huia or a girl. Or the Maori name for Katherine but I can't remember the spelling sorry! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: blessedwiththebest
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 3:42pm
Were you meaning Kataraina, Nic? I like that name too - it's another one of DP's cousin's names hah. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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young_mum_to_be wrote:Posted By: sarahm
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 3:51pm
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DS's middle name is Tiare (Charles) after my grandfather who passed away when I was pregnant. We also really like Meihana (Mason) ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com">  
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Posted By: blessedwiththebest
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 4:01pm
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BOYS
Neihana Ihaia Te Rangiao Ngarangi Hemi Henare Wiremu Anaru Kaitahu Ngatai Renata Remi Tikihana Te WhiWhi Koha Kai Kauri Raniera Hoani Apirana Hone Whenua Nikora Tamihana Tamati Roha (boy's version of Aroha) Poihakena Manuka Renata Marino Marama Tui Turanga Tiare Meihana GIRLS Hana Raiha Anahera Aroha Ata Ana Huikau Mika Hirere Kimiora Erena Hinenui Kama Kataraina ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 4:42pm
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boys we know
te Waaiti (we call him Te wa) te Aorangi Parekeiha girls Pareraukawa te aniwa |
Posted By: whitewave
Date Posted: 23 June 2010 at 9:57pm
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I like Raiha (my 3 or 4 times great grandmother was Eraiha) and I love Huia.
Another name to consider is Maia. |
Posted By: DesSt
Date Posted: 24 June 2010 at 1:05am
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What about Tia? I've always thought that was a gorgeous name too. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 24 June 2010 at 9:01am
Is Tiare not a girls name? A girl I went to school with named her girl that!  ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: arohanui
Date Posted: 24 June 2010 at 2:01pm
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Oh i love Te Ana for a girl too ------------- Mama to DS1 (5 years), DS2 (3 years) and... http://alterna-tickers.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Peanut
Date Posted: 24 June 2010 at 3:04pm
I love a name but can't remember how to spell it I just love the way it sounds etc.
Its pronounced Ma - ni - a but not spelt like that - someone will be able to spell it properly! -------------  
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Posted By: Kellz
Date Posted: 24 June 2010 at 3:10pm
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Isla friends at daycare :
Girls - Te Aroha Rose, Maia. Boys - Te Wheturangi (Whetu), Maia, Mirangi, Maruata |
Posted By: HoneybunsMa
Date Posted: 24 June 2010 at 3:40pm
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Manaia
I like Anihera, Anahera Te Aroha/Aroha DD is named after my grandad Oooh I do like Neihana though ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: kabe
Date Posted: 24 June 2010 at 4:02pm
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Some of the Maori boys names in my DH's family are:
Maihi (my favourite!) Makarini Nepia Tanga Rutene Heiwari Wiremu Girls ones I really like are Mereana Anahera Ariana Kiani My DD's middle name is Mihiterina, which is after her nan ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: sarahm
Date Posted: 24 June 2010 at 6:37pm
it can be both in Maori its Charles but it is also the name of a flower which is a symbol for Tahiti ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com">
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Posted By: 0mrs0ana0
Date Posted: 24 June 2010 at 7:51pm
I thought it was Taare for a boy? Anyway... how are you going YM2B? My DH is part-maori, his Koro his the kaumatua at his marae, but because DH is 1/2 he doesn't really identify with being Maori at all, I'm completely Pakeha, but would love to have a Maori name... I'd love a Tane & Anahera, DH thinks it's weird that I'd love a Maori name seeing as I'm not Maori myself, but so many people "steal" names from other cultures/languages, I don't really see the difference? ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
 May 2012
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Posted By: snugglebug
Date Posted: 24 June 2010 at 9:40pm
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I like Rangimarie (I think its said like rangi marie-eh) for a girl ------------- Me 28, DH 29 DS born 20 Nov 2010 (4 years old) #2 due October 7 http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: arohanui
Date Posted: 24 June 2010 at 9:59pm
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ohhh I love rangimarie too... yep that's how it's pronounced ------------- Mama to DS1 (5 years), DS2 (3 years) and... http://alterna-tickers.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: blessedwiththebest
Date Posted: 25 June 2010 at 9:03am
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BOYS
Neihana Ihaia Te Rangiao Ngarangi Hemi Henare Wiremu Anaru Kaitahu Ngatai Renata Remi Tikihana Te WhiWhi Koha Kai Kauri Raniera Hoani Apirana Hone Whenua Nikora Tamihana Tamati Roha (boy's version of Aroha) Poihakena Manuka Renata Marino Marama Tui Turanga Tiare Meihana Te Waaiti (Te Wa) Te Aorangi Parekeiha Te Wheturangi (Whetu) Mirangi Maruata Maihi Makarini Nepia Tanga Rutene Heiwari Tane GIRLS Hana Raiha Anahera Aroha Ata Ana Huikau Mika Hirere Kimiora Erena Hinenui Kama Kataraina Pareraukawa Te Aniwa Maia Tia Te Ana Manaia Te Aroha Mereana Ariana Kiani Mihiterina Rangimarie Morning everyone Wowee what a beautiful list we've got going. DP & I definitely have a few favourites from here! Kabe, I absolutely love your suggestions, especially Maihi (for a boy) & Mereana (for a girl).. & MrsH I think Rangimarie is lovely too!------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 25 June 2010 at 10:23am
Awesome list. The only thing I'd add is to think about how the names will be pronounced by people like your parents etc. My sister has a Maori name, and my nana pronounces it appallingly. She's also had issues with school mates, teachers, colleagues etc not being able to pronounce it properly. Seriously, how hard is it to roll an r? 
------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 25 June 2010 at 11:23am
I Love that name too Peanut - it's my FAV boys name... but I dunno how to spell it either ------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: kabe
Date Posted: 25 June 2010 at 8:49pm
Aww, you're welcome! You must to let us know what you end up choosing ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: my4beauties
Date Posted: 26 June 2010 at 2:26pm
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We have Tiare for Ava's middle name. It's maori for the gardenia flower I heard?
Both our boys have Maori middle names, Rico's names are after Dh's family - Mikaere (michael) and Kiriwai. Jett has Te Akau as his middle name.
Dh liked Mereama for Ava's middle name but I won over with Tiare. Dh also liked Nuku (like Nuku Nash the surfer), and Hikurangi. And we both liked Nikau when I was pg with Rico, obviously went with Rico but they're very similar sounding.
Te Mana is also a nice boys name. ------------- My babies: R (9),G (7), J (5) http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: snugglebug
Date Posted: 26 June 2010 at 6:22pm
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Im not defending the mispronunciation of names but I work in a school where most children are Maori or Pacific Island heritage and I as a nz european with no Maori language experience have had to really work very hard to learn how to roll that r... it doesn't come naturally for me at all, it's so difficult to do when you haven'r done it your whole life! But I think people need to make an effort to try not just blatanly say a hard r instead when they know it's not said that way
Glad you like Rangimarie, I think the names on the list are beautiful ------------- Me 28, DH 29 DS born 20 Nov 2010 (4 years old) #2 due October 7 http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Wiki
Date Posted: 28 June 2010 at 5:29pm
| Hi, love the names. Does anyone know what Kaitahu means? Is it decendant of Tahu? |
Posted By: phantom_1
Date Posted: 29 June 2010 at 10:15am
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Hi all,
Though I'd add to the list. I knew a girl at school named Moana also I really like Kowhai for a wee girl. |
Posted By: kymme
Date Posted: 29 June 2010 at 3:29pm
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boys
tangiwai tangaroa tainui karaitiana sorry just thought i might add the spelling maybe a bit wrong not 100% sure -------------   http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 29 June 2010 at 4:14pm
Sorry if I came across as grumpy or anything. I do get that it's hard if you've never had experience with it. Easy for me cos I grew up in a very Maori area. But really I'm quite forgiving as long as people try It's just that not everyone does, which is sad.------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Hopes
Date Posted: 29 June 2010 at 4:30pm
Sometimes it can be hard to try. I can't quite put my finger on why, but sometimes it's easier to mispronounce something in the way you're used to doing it, than try to roll that r and fail miserably. In saying that, I do reckon it's important to try even if you do feel self-concious - I went on a Maori language course through work which made it a lot easier (and was lots of fun, too). Funnily enough, rolling my r's isn't a problem to me, it's the 'au' combination (as in Taupo) that does me in 
Kataraina's really pretty, and would be on my names list if we were having a girl. -------------   
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Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 29 June 2010 at 5:07pm
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Fair enough Hopes.
One of my faves is Eruera (Eric) but my inlaws wouldn't have a show of saying that and their attempts wouldn't be pretty  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: my4beauties
Date Posted: 29 June 2010 at 8:52pm
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Ooh I quite like, and Dh definitely liked Wairangi! (Wairangi Kopu = yum!) ------------- My babies: R (9),G (7), J (5) http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 29 June 2010 at 8:59pm
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I just can't roll an r full stop! Even dp tries showing me but can't do it! Was always the only one at school too who couldn't! And we learned Maori about 3 times a week at primary and intermediate!
I do try hard to pronounce things correctly, my mum is a shocker; she tries but as the Maori kids weren't allowed to speak Maori at school her pronunciation is AWFUL! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: 0mrs0ana0
Date Posted: 30 June 2010 at 3:06pm
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I wouldn't be too concerned by pronounciation... even though our news readers think they've got it down, what would they do if the realised that Timaru and Oamaru are not actually Maori place names???
No matter where your name comes from you will always get someone pronouncing it wrong, my name is Eastern European and even 1/2 my workmates, who I've been working with for 5 years can't say my name properly... you cringe and learn to live with it! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
May 2012
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Posted By: Mucky_Tiger
Date Posted: 30 June 2010 at 10:10pm
Ah-nah, or Ar-nah?? |
Posted By: Guest_74175
Date Posted: 26 March 2012 at 7:29pm
I think you mean Manaia (Pronounced Ma-Ny-A) |
Posted By: Delli
Date Posted: 30 March 2012 at 8:29pm
They aren't? ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: KcP
Date Posted: 01 April 2012 at 11:03am
 ------------- Small family of three TTC #1 4 years http://alterna-tickers.com"> 
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Posted By: kiwiking
Date Posted: 01 April 2012 at 5:14pm
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Adding a few names (colleagues and their kids)
Girls: Hinerongonui (Hine) Kohurangi (Kohu) Boys: Rongomai ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: sahithya176687
Date Posted: 17 April 2015 at 6:19pm
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I prefer the below names: For Girls: Mariot Orina Liesbet Lizzi Mariya Maiken Orlena Ofira Moniqua Madia Maryrose Nariah Marilda Jady Jerusha Kaylynn Jannie Jordynn Milcah Hinda For Boys: Elan Martial Oren Naamjodh Micah Orly Manasseh Mattson Orren Matej Omen Ninderbir Omer Omero Maksym Malachai Michiel Martan Owais You can find more names @ http://www.momjunction.com/names/" rel="nofollow - http://www.momjunction.com/names/ |
Posted By: arnie224304
Date Posted: 05 July 2017 at 11:44pm
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What do you think about name lian? Is it appropriate for a boy? Seems more girls using it: http://babyname.tips/lian" rel="nofollow - babyname.tips/lian My better half insists on this name. |