kākāpō (Maori)
Where does "kākāpō" come from?
The word kākāpō originates from the Maori language, combining kākā, meaning 'parrot' (named for its screech), and pō, meaning 'night'. This descriptive name, translating literally to 'night parrot,' aptly reflects the nocturnal nature of this unique New Zealand bird.
Full etymology tree
- kākāpō (Maori), 'kakapo (Strigops habroptilus)'
- compound kākā (Maori), 'a parrot (especially the kaka)'
- derived kā (Maori), 'to burn'
- inherited *kaha (Proto-Polynesian)
- derived kā (Maori), 'to burn'
- compound pō (Maori), 'night'
- inherited *poo (Proto-Polynesian)
- inherited *boŋi (Proto-Central Pacific)
- inherited *boŋi (Proto-Oceanic)
- inherited *bəʀŋi (Proto-Malayo-Polynesian)
- inherited *bəʀŋi (Proto-Austronesian)
- inherited *bəʀŋi (Proto-Malayo-Polynesian)
- inherited *boŋi (Proto-Oceanic)
- inherited *boŋi (Proto-Central Pacific)
- inherited *poo (Proto-Polynesian)
- compound kākā (Maori), 'a parrot (especially the kaka)'
Ancestors
- kākā (Maori)
- pō (Maori)
Updated July 2026
Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris