I know it’s the name of a Disney princess, but my S/O suggested it yesterday and it makes perfect sense for us. He’s Puerto Rican and I’m Italian, and we wanted names that are pronounced the same in Spanish, English and Italian. Our other girl name is [name_f]Luna[/name_f] (moon), and we debated finding something that meant sea as her counterpart, as both the moon & sun are not only special to us but related to one another. [name_f]Moana[/name_f] fits the bill perfectly.
I wouldn’t be put off if it weren’t for the movie, but realistically we won’t have kids for a few more years, so the movie association will probably die down quickly by then (even though it will always be present).
I think it’s totally fine. In my eyes it’s just like using ‘[name_f]Jasmine[/name_f]’, ‘[name_f]Tiana[/name_f]’, or ‘[name_f]Briar[/name_f].’ There is even a girl in my class who is [name_f]Elsa[/name_f] and she’s never had any problems. Especially waiting a few years; it’ll be alright.
I don’t think it’s too connected to the Disney film at all, but maybe that’s the case for me because I know two Moanas, both of whom are adults. It’s a lovely, unusual name.
Also, as you said, the more time passes the less the connection people will make to the film.
I cant imagine the associations going
down much, just like [name_f]Elsa[/name_f], [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] and [name_f]Rapunzel[/name_f]. That said, I dont think sharing a name with a Disney princess- especially one that’s a good role model- is a bad thing.
[name_f]Moana[/name_f] is a gorgeous name. Yes, the Disney association is there but I don’t see how it’s a bad one. [name_f]Moana[/name_f] is a strong, independent, brave, lively character who possesses a lot of traits I would love for my kids to have. People might think of the movie at first but after they get to know your daughter, they’ll associate the name more with her than with Disney.
I think because the film is so recent the association is strong. There probably weren’t a lot of girls names [name_u]Ariel[/name_u] or [name_f]Jasmine[/name_f] in the early-mid 90s, but parents don’t hesitate to use them now.
I think [name_f]Moana[/name_f] is the same way. Now, it’s definitely associated with the movie, but in 10ish years it won’t be as heavy as a reference.