Moana

Girl Name #3,184 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

A Polynesian ocean name that is both ancient and luminously modern

Hawaiian Maori Samoan Tongan Polynesian

Earthy Spiritual Bold Whimsical Strong

Meaning & Origin

"ocean, sea"

Origin: Hawaiian

Language: Hawaiian

"deep water, open sea"

Origin: Polynesian

Language: Maori

Things to Know About This Name

Strongly associated with the 2016 Disney animated film Moana

The Story of Moana

Moana is a Pan-Polynesian word meaning ocean or sea—specifically the deep, open ocean rather than shallow coastal waters. It appears in Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, Tongan, and other Pacific Island languages with nearly identical meaning and spelling. The name was used in Hawaii and throughout Polynesia for generations long before Disney's 2016 film brought it global recognition.

Disney's 2016 animated film caused an enormous spike in the name's global popularity. In New Zealand, where Maori communities had long used the name, some concern arose about cultural appropriation. Nevertheless, the film introduced millions of families worldwide to this beautiful Polynesian name.

In Hawaiian and broader Polynesian culture, the ocean is central to identity, spirituality, and history. Calling a child Moana connects them to the remarkable ancestral voyaging tradition—Pacific Islanders who navigated millions of square miles of open ocean using only stars, waves, and birds.

Fun Facts

Moana means ocean across multiple Polynesian languages including Hawaiian, Maori, and Samoan
Traditional Polynesian wayfinders navigated by stars and ocean swells—the moana was their highway for 3,000 years of remarkable exploration

Moana in Other Languages

Maori Moana

Samoan Moana

Tongan Moana

Hawaiian Moana

Japanese モアナ

Famous People Named Moana

Moana Hope

Athlete

1988

Australian rules footballer and AFLW player known for her advocacy and sportsmanship

Moana Fictional

Other

Protagonist of the 2016 Disney animated film, a Polynesian chief's daughter and legendary wayfinder

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #3,184
Total SSA Count: 50
Cultural Origins: Hawaiian Maori Samoan Tongan Polynesian
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Mo Momo

Pairs Well With

Moana Kai Moana Leilani Moana Rose Moana Grace Moana Jade Moana Aria Moana Nalu

Sibling Names

Leilani Kai Nalu Kaia Malia Hana

Similar Names

Lola Monica Ramona Laina Luana Lane Alona Lani

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Moana

What does the name Moana mean?

"ocean, sea" (from Hawaiian). "deep water, open sea" (from Polynesian). Moana is a Pan-Polynesian word meaning ocean or sea—specifically the deep, open ocean rather than shallow coastal waters. It appears in Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, Tongan, and other Pacific Island languages with nearly identical meaning and spelling. The name was used in Hawaii and throughout Polynesia for generations long before Disney's 2016 film brought it global recognition.

What is the origin of the name Moana?

Moana has Hawaiian, Polynesian, Maori, Samoan, and Tongan origins. In Hawaiian, it means "ocean, sea". In Polynesian, it means "deep water, open sea".

Is Moana a boy or girl name?

Moana is primarily used as a girl name.

How popular is the name Moana?

Moana is currently ranked #3184 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Moana?

Common nicknames for Moana include Mo and Momo.

What are good middle names for Moana?

Popular middle name pairings include Moana Kai, Moana Leilani, Moana Rose, Moana Grace, Moana Jade, Moana Aria, and Moana Nalu.

What are good sibling names for Moana?

Names that pair well with Moana as siblings include Leilani, Kai, Nalu, Kaia, Malia, and Hana.

How many syllables does Moana have?

Moana has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Moana a common or rare name?

Moana is an uncommon name, ranked #3184 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Moana

Moana is a girl name with Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, Tongan, and Polynesian origins . The name means "ocean, sea" in Hawaiian .

Moana is currently ranked #3,184 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Moana has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Moana include Mo and Momo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.