Origin and Meaning of Kiore

Rodent or rat, often referring to the Pacific rat.

Origin: Māori - Derived from the Māori word for a small rodent indigenous to New Zealand, particularly referring to the Polynesian rat (Rattus exulans).

• Kiore is often recognized in Māori culture as a significant animal, representing both the natural environment and traditional food sources.
• In the context of Māori mythology, kiore is sometimes associated with various legends and stories that speak to the relationship between humans and nature.
• Notable references to kiore can be found in Māori folklore and traditional ecological knowledge, highlighting its importance in the history of Polynesian settlement in New Zealand.
• While not a common personal name, Kiore has gained some popularity in contemporary New Zealand as a unique name reflecting cultural heritage.
• Related names include 'Kiore-matangi', which translates to 'the gust of wind,' often used in poetic contexts.