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.

What does the Hawaiian word Moana mean?

[Hawaiian Dictionary (Hawaiian)] moana. 1. n. Ocean, open sea, lake.

What is the real meaning of Moana?

Moana's very name means “ocean” in many Polynesian languages, and the name Tala, the name of Moana's grandmother, means “story” in Samoan. The song “We Know the Way” features lyrics in both Samoan and Tokelauan, a Polynesian language that only about 3,000 people in the world speak today.

What does Moana name mean?

The name Moana is a girl's name of Maori, Polynesian origin meaning "deep ocean, sea".

What does the word Moana translate to?

1. (noun) sea, ocean, large lake.

MOANA Live Action - Official Trailer (2024) Zendaya, Dwayne Johnson | Disney+

What does Maui mean from Moana?

Maui, for example, is a real demigod in Polynesian culture who works toward the good of humankind. He is normally depicted as a teenage boy, except in the movie. Maui is portrayed as an overweight and unintelligent man in the movie, which is an offensive image of the culture.

Is Moana a Samoan word?

The name of the lead male character, Moana, means 'deep sea, deep water' in the Samoan language.

What does Maui mean in Hawaiian?

Meaning:Trickster god. Maui is a boy's name of Hawaiian and Maori origin. This name belongs to a trickster god in Polynesian mythology, and was also given to one of the Hawaiian islands. The 2016 Disney film Moana brought the name Maui into popular culture with Dwayne Johnson's playful portrayal of the god.

Why did Disney change Moana's name?

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.

What does Mona mean in English?

Coming from the Irish name Muadhnait it translates to “noble” and “aristocratic,” and is sure to rise to the occasion for baby. Mona is thought to be derived from the Latin name Madonna, which translates to "my lady" and is famously associated with the Virgin Mary in Christian theology.

Is Maui from Moana real?

Maui (/maʊwiː/) is a fictional character from the animated film Moana. Created by directors Ron Clements and John Musker and voiced by Dwayne Johnson, Maui is loosely based on Māui from Hawaiian mythology. In the film, Maui is depicted as a demigod who was abandoned by his parents and eventually adopted by the gods.

Why is Moana so special?

Moana standing up for herself empowers girls to speak their mind and show others that their words are powerful and influential. It is so important for children to see that Moana stands for something far greater than a typical Disney princess, she represents independence, diligence, and strength.

Why do babies love Moana?

This movie might inspire children to learn more about Polynesian myths and culture. Additionally, Moana the character is a good role model for girls as she shows leadership skills, strength and independence.

What does Lilo mean in Polynesian?

Lilo (lī'-lo), v. 1. To be off, separated from, or be transferred in various ways. 2. To become another's; to pass into the possession of another; lilo mai, to obtain; to possess; lilo aku, to be lost; to perish.

How do Hawaiians say yes?

'Ae/A'ole (yes/no)

Self explanatory term for yes and no. 'Ae is pronounced “eye” and a'ole is pronounced “ah-oh-lay.”

Why does Moana have two names?

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.

What is Moana's middle name?

Moana Waialiki of Motunui is the title character of Walt Disney Animation Studios' animated film Moana (2016). Created by directors Ron Clements and John Musker, Moana is voiced by Hawaiian actress and singer Auliʻi Cravalho.

What does Loki mean in Hawaiian?

In Hawaiian culture, Loki's name takes on a deeper meaning that aligns with the trickster archetype. The Hawaiian word “loki” translates to “mischievous” or “playful.” This interpretation resonates with Loki's cunning and unpredictable nature, as he often tricks and deceives other gods and beings in Norse mythology.

Who is Maui's wife?

Among the iwi of New Zealand, Hina is usually considered to be either the elder sister or the wife of Māui. The most common story that presents Hina as the wife of Māui tells of Te Tunaroa, the father of all eels, who one day visited the pool where Hina bathed.

What does Oahu mean in Hawaiian?

Oʻahu has for a long time been known as "The Gathering Place". However, the term Oʻahu has no confirmed meaning in Hawaiian, other than that of the place itself. Ancient Hawaiian tradition attributes the name's origin in the legend of Hawaiʻiloa, the Polynesian navigator credited with discovery of the Hawaiian Islands.

Why are Samoans so big?

The arrival of fast food restaurants and other contemporary food items on the islands are one of the issues responsible for the obesity in Samoa. The earliest photographs of Samoans provide visual proof of the native population's natural physique before the introduction of processed foods by Western society.

Is the story of Moana a true legend?

Although Disney creators used their creative license in the fictionalized story of Moana, with the character of Maui, they did highlight some actual Polynesian origin myths.

How do Polynesians feel about Moana?

Some enjoy the movie but believe Maui should have been portrayed as a warrior. "As a proud Polynesian woman, it's not often that you see a film like Moana come out. It headlines our Pasifika culture, and it's lead by our Polynesian artists in the industry.