Ihaka

Ihaka is a masculine given name used by Māori in Aotearoa (New Zealand). It is the Māori form of a biblical name commonly associated with Jacob or James in English usage, reflecting the adaptation of Western biblical names into Māori language. The name derives from the Hebrew Ya’akov.

In Māori communities, Ihaka has been used across generations and appears in church records, genealogies, and contemporary personal naming. It is primarily a given name, though as with many names it can appear within longer full names in official documents and everyday use.

Pronunciation is typically i-HA-ka, with the emphasis on the second syllable, following standard Māori phonology where vowels are pronounced clearly. Spelling variants are uncommon in modern usage, though historical records may show alternate transcriptions.

Cultural context: Ihaka illustrates the broader pattern of Māori names that incorporate or adapt biblical and European forms, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange and bilingual heritage. The name today is encountered across Māori and non-Māori communities, particularly in New Zealand, and remains part of traditional and contemporary name practices.

Notable people: There are individuals named Ihaka in New Zealand who have contributed in various fields within Māori communities, including leadership, scholarship, and the arts. The name continues to be used as part of Māori cultural identity and personal naming traditions.

See also: Māori given names; Biblical names in Māori; List of Māori personal names.