Find out how popular the first name Vaiana has been for the last 1 years (from 2021 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Vaiana by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Vaiana is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Vaiana.

The history of the first name Vaiana

The given name Vaiana is derived from the Polynesian languages of the Pacific Islands, specifically the Samoan and Tongan tongues. It is believed to have originated around the 15th century or earlier, as the Polynesian peoples began spreading across the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

The name Vaiana is thought to be a combination of the Samoan and Tongan words "vai" meaning water, and "ana" meaning cave or cavern. Thus, the name could be interpreted as "water cave" or "cave of water", potentially referring to the pristine underwater grottos found in the tropical islands of the region.

While there are no known historical references to the name Vaiana in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is believed to have been used by the indigenous populations of the Polynesian islands for centuries. The earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the genealogical records and oral histories passed down through generations of Polynesian communities.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Vaiana was a Samoan chieftain's daughter who lived in the late 17th century. She was renowned for her beauty and grace, and her name became associated with the natural splendor of the Samoan islands.

Another notable Vaiana was a Tongan princess born in the early 19th century. She was known for her diplomatic skills and played a crucial role in maintaining peace between rival tribes during a time of great unrest in the region.

In the early 20th century, Vaiana Nakai was a celebrated Hawaiian dancer and performer who helped popularize traditional Polynesian dance forms on the global stage. She was born in 1896 and passed away in 1975.

Vaiana Cadremont, born in 1927, was a prominent French Polynesian artist whose vibrant paintings captured the essence of island life and the natural beauty of the South Pacific. Her works are widely celebrated and exhibited in galleries around the world.

Lastly, Vaiana Naupoto, a Samoan environmental activist born in 1965, has been at the forefront of efforts to protect the fragile ecosystems of the Pacific Islands from the threats of climate change and unsustainable development.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Vaiana was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Vaiana, please contact us.

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