Meaning: From Polynesian (Tahitian), often read as 'water from the cave' (vai, 'water'). It is the international title of Disney's Moana, which we note honestly.Low
In 30 seconds: A flowing island name: Vaiana is read as 'water from the cave' — and is Moana's name in much of the world (said 'vy-AH-nah').
MeaningFrom Polynesian (Tahitian), often read as 'water from the cave' (vai, 'water'). It is the international title of Disney's Moana, which we note honestly.
Vaiana is a Polynesian name — built on vai, 'water' — often glossed 'water from the cave.' It reached a wide audience as the title used for Disney's Moana across much of the world. We note that pop-culture tie honestly (said 'vy-AH-nah').
In the U.S. it is rare, more familiar in French and Polynesian communities. Rare, watery, and lyrical.
Did you know? Vaiana blends the Polynesian vai ('water') into a name read as 'water from the cave'; it is the international title of Disney's Moana, which we note honestly (said 'vy-AH-nah').
Overall data confidence 44%
References — Vaiana — Polynesian/Tahitian, from vai 'water'; Moana abroad
