Marama
Marama is a Māori feminine name meaning “moon,” “light,” or “illumination.” In the Māori language, marama is the primary and widely used word for the moon, and it can also refer to clarity or enlightenment. The term carries both literal and symbolic meaning, connecting natural light with understanding and awareness. As a given name, Marama evokes brightness in darkness, guidance, and emotional clarity.
In traditional Māori culture, the moon held deep practical and spiritual significance. The maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar, structured agricultural activities, fishing, travel, and ceremonial timing. Because of this central role, the word marama became strongly embedded in cultural and cosmological knowledge.
Marama also appears in Māori tradition as a feminine presence associated with the moon, reinforcing its use as a personal name. In contemporary Aotearoa (New Zealand), Marama remains a well-recognized Māori name, appreciated for its soft rhythm and clear natural symbolism rooted in language and heritage.
Forms
Common spellings and forms used in different languages.
Related names
Similar names connected by origin, usage, gender, or category.
More names starting with M
FAQ
Quick answers about this name.
Is Marama a boy or girl name?
Marama is typically a girl’s name.
What does Marama mean?
Marama is a Māori feminine name meaning “moon,” “light,” or “illumination.” In the Māori language, marama is the primary and widely used word for the moon, and it can also refer to clarity or enlightenment. The term carries both literal and symbolic meaning, connecting natural light with understanding and awareness. As a given name, Marama evokes brightness in darkness, guidance, and emotional clarity.
Where does Marama come from?
Marama is commonly associated with Maori.
What are the forms of Marama?
Common forms and spellings include: Mahina.
Where is Marama used?
Marama is used in naming traditions such as Maori.
Part of Names Archive — a reference-style collection of name meanings and origins.