"ocean, sea"
Origin: Hawaiian
Language: Hawaiian
Moana
Does Moana flow with your last name?
A Polynesian ocean name that is both ancient and luminously modern
Hawaiian
Maori
Samoan
Tongan
Polynesian
Earthy
Spiritual
Bold
Whimsical
Strong
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"deep water, open sea"
Origin: Polynesian
Language: Maori
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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.
Historical Record
Moana first appeared in US Social Security records in 1953.
Over 1,093 babies have been named Moana in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Moana is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #3,184 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#3,184
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Moana
M
Moana Hope
Athlete
1988
Australian rules footballer and AFLW player known for her advocacy and sportsmanship
M
Moana Fictional
Other
Protagonist of the 2016 Disney animated film, a Polynesian chief's daughter and legendary wayfinder
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Compare Moana with:
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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Hawaiian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, bold style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Moana
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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"heavenly, of the sky, royal"
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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 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.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis