Unisex name · Māori
Aroha
“love, compassion”
Vibes
Explore Aroha further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Aroha — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Aroha is Māori — "love, compassion" — one of the most important words in te reo, encompassing love of people, land, and ancestors; New Zealand signs letters with it the way English signs "with love."
The name is rising in Aotearoa and nearly unknown in America — a love-name with none of Amy's or Cara's mileage.
Three open syllables (AH-raw-hah) meaning the largest thing there is. It pairs well with short middles (Aroha Mae, Aroha Jane). On our vibe map it is Cultural Fusion at its warmest, drifting Soft & Dreamy — love, in a language built for it.
More Māori names
Aroha sits in our Māori set — these share its roots.
All Māori names →Aroha — common questions
Is Aroha a boy or girl name?
Aroha is a unisex name — it is given to boys and girls alike, and we list it that way (Māori origin).
What does the name Aroha mean?
Aroha means “love, compassion” of Māori origin. Aroha is Māori — "love, compassion" — one of the most important words in te reo, encompassing love of people, land, and ancestors; New Zealand signs letters with it the way English signs "with love."
Where does the name Aroha come from?
Aroha is Māori in origin. The name is rising in Aotearoa and nearly unknown in America — a love-name with none of Amy's or Cara's mileage.
How popular is Aroha?
Aroha did not make the top 1,000 boys' or girls' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Aroha you might want for the nursery.