Our New Zealander name database contains 3.495 New Zealander surnames and 9.612 New Zealander first names categorized by gender and frequency. After payment you can download the New Zealander name database in CSV, SQL or JSON format. In New Zealand we received a name and gender database from the New Zealander government and merged it with publicly available data sets. To create the New Zealander name database we used 49.975 validated New Zealander social media profiles. We have a detailed explanation of our methodology and illustrate our approach with several examples.

Popular New Zealander surnames

This table show popular New Zealander surnames. In New Zealand, the surname is typically inherited from the father, although some individuals may choose to take on their mother's surname or a combination of both parents' surnames. The use of double-barrelled or hyphenated surnames is also common. In some cases, individuals may choose to change their surname through a legal process. Overall, there is a fair amount of flexibility and personal choice when it comes to surnames in New Zealand.

Surname Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Smith 442 0.9% American British Canadian
Jones 248 0.5% American British Canadian
Brown 238 0.5% American British Canadian
Williams 236 0.5% American British Canadian
Wilson 230 0.5% American British Canadian
Taylor 201 0.4% American British Canadian
Thompson 136 0.3% American British Canadian
Singh 131 0.3% Indian American British
Clark 129 0.3% American British Canadian
Anderson 128 0.3% American British Canadian
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 49.975 New Zealander social media profiles.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this surname also is used. They are sorted on popularity.

New Zealander first names

In New Zealand, parents typically pick a first name for their child by considering family traditions, cultural significance, and personal preference. They may also look to popular names in the country, or even choose a name that has special meaning to them. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one and is often made after much thought and consideration.

Popular New Zealander male names

First name Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
David 513 1.9% American British Spanish
James 467 1.7% British American Australian
Chris 417 1.5% American British Canadian
Paul 410 1.5% British American Dutch
Mark 403 1.5% American British Dutch
Andrew 380 1.4% American British Canadian
John 373 1.4% American British Canadian
Sam 356 1.3% British American Australian
Michael 356 1.3% American British German
Ben 326 1.2% British American Australian
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 49.975 New Zealander social media profiles from which 27.628 (55%) is male.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this first name also is used. They are sorted on popularity.

Popular New Zealander female names

First name Frequency*1 Percentage*1 Alternative countries*2
Sarah 346 1.5% British American Canadian
Alex 268 1.2% American British Spanish
Emma 266 1.2% British American Irish
Rachel 182 0.8% American British Canadian
Kate 178 0.8% British American Australian
Anna 177 0.8% American British Spanish
Rebecca 165 0.7% British American Canadian
Laura 160 0.7% British American Spanish
Jamie 151 0.7% British American Canadian
Hannah 151 0.7% British American Jamaican
  • *1 The Frequency and Percentage are based on 49.975 New Zealander social media profiles from which 22.347 (45%) is female.
  • *2 Alternative countries are countries where this first name also is used. They are sorted on popularity.