Declining since 2017, #4,067 for girls today.
Popularity of Moana since 1941
Babies named Moana per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 16 |
| 1950s | 53 |
| 1960s | 37 |
| 1970s | 108 |
| 1980s | 76 |
| 1990s | 59 |
| 2000s | 110 |
| 2010s | 415 |
| 2020s | 272 |
Meaning & origin
Moana, a name of Polynesian origin meaning 'ocean', has seen a notable rise in usage since 2016 due to the Disney film, but its history as a given name in the United States dates back to at least 1941. It reached its peak rank of 4,067 in 2017, the year after the film's release, and has since declined in popularity, reflecting a trajectory typical of names tied to specific cultural moments. The name is most common in California, which aligns with the state's large Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. While its 1-in-45,922 frequency in 2025 suggests relative rarity, Moana remains a culturally significant choice for families seeking a name with oceanic and Polynesian heritage.
Moana derives from Proto-Polynesian *moana meaning 'ocean' or 'deep sea.' It is a common word across many Polynesian languages, used as a given name in cultures such as Maori and Hawaiian. The name gained international prominence after Disney's 2016 animated film 'Moana,' though its use as a personal name predates the film, with recorded instances in the U.S. since at least 1941.
Where Moana is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Moana” around the world
Where Moana lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
45
babies in 2024
New Zealand
11
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Moa, Ana
Variants: Moanna
Sibling names for Moana
Names that share Moana's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Malia, Leilani, Nani, Kai, Kiana, Aloha, Anuhea, Lelani, Maile, Noelani, Nyree, Tehani, Tiare, Hanalei, Kahealani, Kamalani, Kawena, Kohana, Mailani, Tarita, Iolana, Kealohilani, Kehaulani, Lokelani, Moani, Nohealani, Pele, Pualani, Sanoe, Taimane, Teuila, Tonga, Uilani
Brothers: Koa, Mana, Kai, Keanu, Makani, Kaimana, Kainalu, Kanai, Kanoa, Keone, Keoni, Makai, Makoa, Maui, Nainoa, Kaeo, Nalu, Tavita, Aukai, Kanaloa
