The man accused of murdering a baby in Upper Hutt can now be named.

William Wakefield has appeared in the High Court at Wellington where he's pleaded not guilty to killing five-month-old Lincoln Wakefield.

The 31-year-old is not biologically related to the baby, who was found seriously injured at an Upper Hutt home last month.

The infant was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery, but died shortly after.

As well as the murder charge, police have also laid a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, saying the offence took place between May 7 and June 4.

Wakefield has been remanded for a case review in September.

The judge will decide this morning whether to grant him bail.