You might remember news, back in June, of a couple who wanted to name their son ‘4real.’ Yes, for real! Pat and Sheena Wheaton, of Wellington, settled on the name after seeing an ultrasound image and being hit by the reality of their unborn bub. Pat told media: “With this name, everyone knows what it means.” The New Zealand Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages didn’t see it their way; apparently names starting with numbers are against the rules and all unusual names must be considered on a case by case basis. So, 4real is still up in the air.

But just what’s in a New Zealand place name?

Land Information New Zealand provides accurate information on all New Zealand land areas and seabeds. Their site is a useful resource if you’re searching for geographic information, maps and topography, or names of New Zealand places and streets. It’s also interesting to see the criteria for naming a place. Generally:

• Historic, geographic or locally meaningful names are okay (including names of pioneers or early explorers)
• Names of living people cannot be used (usually a deceased person’s surname is used)
• Descriptive names can be used, as long as they’re not the same as a name in an adjacent area
• There are no double ups
• Names can be corrected if a spelling mistake or earlier name is discovered
• Offensive names are avoided

Anyone can suggest new names or alterations to existing place names. These are brought before the New Zealand Geographic Board who look at the origin, meaning and significance of the name. Who knew there was so much in a name?

If you’re looking for a place in New Zealand, you might want to check out our recently launched New Zealand Maps section.