Every January, the Department of Internal Affairs releases the full list of what Kiwi parents actually named their babies the year before – and it’s one of the more satisfying bits of data NZ Government puts out each year. Here’s the official 2025 list, plus what’s worth knowing if you’re choosing a name right now.
The most popular names of 2025
Top 10 boys’ names:
Noah, Luca, Oliver, George, Theodore, Leo, Charlie, Jack, Elijah, Theo
Top 10 girls’ names:
Isla, Charlotte, Amelia, Hazel, Olivia, Lily, Lucy, Mila, Aria, Mia
Noah has now held the number one spot for boys for three years running, with 244 babies given the name in 2025. Isla did the same for girls, with 179 registrations – and it’s been in the top three every year since 2016, so if you’re after a name that’s proven to age well, that’s a solid sign.
What the numbers actually tell us
There were 58,116 babies registered in New Zealand in 2025, given 19,457 different first names between them. That’s a genuinely huge spread – even the most popular boys’ name only accounted for 244 babies, a tiny fraction of the total. If you’re worried about your kid being “one of five Noahs in the class,” the data suggests that’s less likely than it might feel.
Interestingly, the most popular girls’ name is consistently given to fewer babies than the most popular boys’ name – a pattern that’s held for decades. Names for girls tend to be more varied overall, while boys’ names cluster more tightly around a smaller group of favourites.
Naming rules in NZ (things people get caught out by)
Before you fall in love with a name, it’s worth knowing New Zealand does have restrictions on what you can officially register:
- Names that could be mistaken for an official title (like “Princess” or “Justice”) are usually declined.
- Numbers and symbols aren’t allowed as part of a first name.
- Names judged likely to cause offence or negatively affect the child are also rejected.
If in doubt, the Department of Internal Affairs can tell you before you register, which saves a stressful conversation at the counter with a newborn in tow.
Registering the name
Once you’ve decided, registration needs to happen within a few months of birth – SmartStart (the government’s newborn service) walks you through it step by step and it’s free. It’s an easy thing to put off in the newborn fog, so it’s worth getting done early rather than leaving it until the reminder letter arrives.
FAQ
When does NZ release the new top baby names list?
Every January, covering the previous calendar year’s birth registrations.
Are Maori baby names tracked separately?
Yes – the top Maori baby names are released separately, usually around Matariki in June or July.
How long do I have to register my baby’s name?
The Department of Internal Affairs recommends registering within the first two months, though there’s some flexibility if you need longer to decide.
Whether you’re after something classic and proven, or deliberately trying to avoid the top 10 altogether, there’s a genuinely enormous range of names Kiwi parents are choosing right now – you’ve got more room to be original than the headlines might suggest.