Vaiana
Gender: Girl
Origin: Tahitian, Polynesian, and Maori
Meaning: Sea cave
Popularity: Not in the U.S. top 1,000 names
Vaiana Name Meaning and Origin
Vaiana is a girl’s name of Tahitian, Polynesian, Maori origin, meaning “sea cave.” In Polynesian cultures, the name Vaiana (pronounced vah-yah-nah) carries different meanings depending on the specific island and language. For instance, in Maori, it can mean “water cave” or “deep sea,” while in Tahitian, it is associated with the concept of “ocean breeze” or “clear water. The name Vaiana is commonly associated with the character from the Disney animated film “Moana” released in 2016. It’s worth noting that while the name Vaiana gained popularity after the release of the film, it has been used in Polynesian communities prior to its association with the Disney character.
