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Original poster

Is Moana unusable?

38 replies

KaiandMoana · 17/04/2017 10:27

We have a Kai and really want to name our baby girl Moana, but is it unusable now? Sad

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Alisvolatpropiis · 18/04/2017 12:20

If you're Hawaiian then I'd go for it. It's a name culturally relevant to you. I doubt people will look at you askance for it to be honest.

It's not like James and Sophie Jones, Cardiff born and bred, using it.

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 17/04/2017 18:53

Definitely stand by your heritage OP. 😄

FeedTheSharkAndItWIllBite · 17/04/2017 14:24

I like it:)

The girl in the film is apparently really cool (?) and with your heritage...? I think you should go for it. It's great :)

Kai and Moana! Lovely.

SilverLeafClover · 17/04/2017 13:34

Sorry, I thought it was pronounced the same as Mona. My mistake.

YouBloodyWhat · 17/04/2017 13:34

I think it's a beautiful name, plus me and my kids love the film Grin

Juliecloud · 17/04/2017 13:13

If you have Hawaiian heritage, I would use it. Is it a popular name in Hawaii?

I'm another one who can't believe you would choose to live here over Hawaii 😂 I went to the Big Island on holiday and loved it. I did wonder if it might be a bit isolating living there though.

foundaspottysock · 17/04/2017 13:09

I really wanted to call dd Maile but sadly we have no Hawaiian heritage so dh vetoed it. In your position I would say go for it!

Jooni · 17/04/2017 11:58

It's pretty and she seems to be a good character so I say go for it! The Disney connection hasn't stopped parents using Elsa, Ana, Jasmine, Arlo, etc. etc.

I love Moa too Smile

Original poster
KaiAndMoana · 17/04/2017 11:43

I grew up in Wales! I'd love to go back and live there. I met DP there, but our jobs are good here Sad I'm sure we will go back and live when the children are a little older. I'd love for them to learn to surf.

OP posts:
MadMags · 17/04/2017 11:35

I can't believe you are Hawaiian and choosing to live elsewhere! Grin

user1466690252 · 17/04/2017 11:33

I love it. Beautiful name and with you heritage would be lovely. Loads of little Belle's and I have noticed a rise In Elsa's aswell. It's not a silly made up name.
Congratulations

Meeep · 17/04/2017 11:29

I think it's fine to use. :)

eternalopt · 17/04/2017 11:27

It's a beautiful name and as others have said, at least she's a good character! I don't think many others would use it, so it's not as if it will suddenly be really popular, and at least everyone knows how to pronounce it now. Bear in mind though that there's bound to be a sequel, so the Disney-fication won't go away any time soon if it bothers you.

TheBakeryQueen · 17/04/2017 11:20

With your heritage I think it's perfect, and goes beautifully with Kai.

Lillabet · 17/04/2017 11:18

I was going to come on and say, I wouldn't unless you are Hawaiian or have Hawaiian heritage because otherwise it'd be a bit daft. However, having read the thread I'd say go for it! Grin

Original poster
KaiandMoana · 17/04/2017 11:16

She cannot speak English, no. I'm going to PM you when I'm not using the app. Don't want to write very identifying info.

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Ontopofthesunset · 17/04/2017 11:11

Can't speak a word of English? Living in Hawaii? Is that really true? I thought that English was mandated as the language in schools from the end of the 19th century and the Hawaiian language only started being revived in the latter part of the 20th century. So I would have thought everyone would have had to be educated in English if they had lived in Hawaii even if they spoke Hawaiian at home.

Sorry, that's not the point of the thread but I was intrigued by the idea that anyone living in Hawaii today couldn't speak at least some English.

I think people in this country will just think of the film and also will mispronounce it. But that's OK. There are lots of Elsas and Aryas and other film inspired names out there.

Twoevils · 17/04/2017 10:55

The Isle of Anglesey is called Môn in Welsh and Mona from Latin.

StUmbrageinSkelt · 17/04/2017 10:52

It's Moarna. But yeah, seriously not a good combo with Kai if you ever go to NZ

PaperdollCartoon · 17/04/2017 10:49

Moana in a Welsh accent is lovely as well. There will always be something to connect every name to - at least the film Moana is a baddass!

MaryPoppinsPenguins · 17/04/2017 10:48

It's pronounced 'mo-ahna'

Original poster
KaiandMoana · 17/04/2017 10:48

We are very much Welsh citizens now Grin but my lovely grandmother is still living in Hawaii (and can't speak a word of English) and it's still very much our culture.

OP posts:
MaryPoppinsPenguins · 17/04/2017 10:48

Do it! It's a lovely name (and a brilliant film!)

Cantwait2017 · 17/04/2017 10:47

I thought it was Mo-arna.

AdorableMisfit · 17/04/2017 10:47

Moana and Mona are not pronounced the same. One is Mo-Anna, the other is Mo-na.

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