Moana has also been retitled Vaiana in many European countries due to copyright issues. In the reprise of the deleted ballad "More", Moana mentions that Gramma Tala was the one who named her. Pornstar prompts Disney name change. Disney Spain confirmed that the name change was the result of Moana being a registered brand in Spain and other European countries. "The ocean is a friend of mine," she tells demigod Maui in the trailer for Moana. Moana's name is also an expression of her deep relationship with the ocean. For most Italians, the name Moana is synonymous with Moanna Pozzi, an adult film star and television personality who is still famous, despite having passed away in 1994. WHEN Disney’s newest film hits overseas theatres next week it will have a different name, and the reasoning behind the change is as un-Disney as it gets. In Europe, the film has the title 'Vaiana,' or 'water cave'. Adult performer Moana Pozzi , who died in 1994, might have been the reason for Moana's name change in Italy. Name changes are not uncommon with movies, though likely not for a reason as spectacular as this. Moana's oar is most likely a Culacula: a warclub originating from Fiji that could be used both as an oar and a weapon. Disney Had to Change Moana’s Title in Italy to Avoid Being Confused With a Porn Star.