It is a beautiful Hawaiian given name meaning "ocean, sea, or expanse of water." The name has been a firm favorite among Polynesian communities for years, gaining global popularity with the release of Disney's epic animated film in 2016.
The name Moana is primarily a gender-neutral name of Hawaiian origin that means Ocean Or Sea.
The name Moana is girl's name of Maori, Polynesian origin meaning "deep ocean, sea". This Maori name, often heard in New Zealand, is an attractive, evocative choice for lovers of the ocean made famous – perhaps too famous – by the Disney heroine.
Popularity of the name Moana
The name Moana is ranked #4821 overall.
In Maori Baby Names the meaning of the name Moana is: Large body of water.
The reasons behind the change of name are not completely clear, but a tweet from Disney España gives an important clue: 'Moana' is registered as a trademark in Spain, and in a number of other European countries, hence the change to Vaiana in Europe.
In many European countries, the name of the titular character, Moana, was changed to Vaiana due to a trademark conflict. The film was released in those countries to bear the alternative name in the title.
But depending on where in the world people saw Moana, they might know the great animated movie by another name. Disney retitled Moana in different countries, with most European countries using Vaiana. This change was reflected in the movie too, as Moana's name was changed to Vaiana due to copyright issues.
Moana Waialiki of Motunui is the title character of Walt Disney Animation Studios' 56th animated feature film Moana (2016). Created by directors Ron Clements and John Musker, Moana is voiced by Hawaiian actress and singer Auliʻi Cravalho. As a toddler, she is voiced by Louise Bush.
Nicknames for the name Moana:
Ana. Anne. Moa. Mona.
It is a beautiful Hawaiian given name meaning "ocean, sea, or expanse of water." The name has been a firm favorite among Polynesian communities for years, gaining global popularity with the release of Disney's epic animated film in 2016.
In northern Europe, where the name is much more popular, Mona is interpreted as a diminutive of Monica or, rarely, of Ramona, and sometimes associated with the title of da Vinci's painting Mona (=madonna) Lisa.
Moana's very name means “ocean” in many Polynesian languages, and the name Tala, the name of Moana's grandmother, means “story” in Samoan.
Is Moana 2 Being Made? Currently, there are no official plans for an animated Moana 2 movie being developed for a theatrical release. However, in January 2022, Disney did confirm that a Moana sequel series was in the works for release on Disney+. This will continue the young heroine's story under director David G.
Did you know that Disney's 2016 film Moana is based on a Polynesian legend? Moana-Nui-Ka-Lehua was a Polynesian water goddess/mermaid, who resided in the ocean between the two islands Hawaiian islands of K'aui and O'ahu.
For instance, her full name is Moana Waialiki, which has a Hawaiian ring to it because of the "W", uncommon in the rest of Polynesia. In Hawaii, it would mean "Water king", with an unnecessary "k".
Moana was briefly married to New Zealand politician and radio personality Willie Jackson, during which time she was known as Moana Maniapoto-Jackson; they divorced in 2001. In 2016, Moana was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.
Moana Is 16 Years Old
While the ages of Disney Princesses are rarely discussed in their respective movies, Moana's age is given as 16, and the movie doesn't try to hide the fact that she is still quite young.
The story of the demigod Maui stretches across the Pacific and is estimated to be over 1000 years old. Always on a quest to empower mankind, Maui has become an endearing icon to the people of Polynesia.
The two actors only dubbed again the parts in which Moana's name is pronounced, as she is called Vaiana in France and Moana in Quebec.
Moana. She is Moana of Motunui, and being next in line to lead her tribe makes her an official Disney princess! Despite her differences with her father, the chief, she proved to be a fit leader when she risked her life to save her island and her people.
Chloe Auliʻi Cravalho (/aʊˈliːʔi krəˈvɑːljoʊ/; born November 22, 2000) is an American actress. She made her acting debut as the voice of the title character in the Disney animated musical film Moana (2016).
Moana's pet pig, Pua is only in the movie for a little while until Moana takes off on her own.
Moana, a Heroine Like No Other
For starters, she is the first Disney princess with a realistic body type, in contrast to the thin, model-like figures that most princesses tended to have. Moreover, she is also the first Polynesian princess, which introduces this culture to the company's animated films.