The Definitive Guide to Disney Princesses: Names, Stories, and More!

So, you want to know the names of the Disney Princesses? You’ve come to the right place. Let’s cut straight to the chase: the official lineup includes Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, and Moana. But there’s a rich history, fascinating nuances, and even a bit of controversy surrounding who officially makes the cut. So, buckle up, because we’re about to dive deep into the enchanting world of Disney royalty.

A Royal Lineage: More Than Just a Name

The Disney Princess franchise is more than just a collection of pretty faces. It’s a carefully curated brand, a cultural phenomenon, and a merchandising juggernaut. Being officially crowned a Disney Princess comes with certain criteria, which, as you’ll see, can be surprisingly complex. It’s not just about being a princess (or princess-like) in a Disney film. The character’s success, marketability, and lasting impact all play a crucial role.

The Criteria for Princess-hood

What separates a Disney character from a Disney Princess? Here’s the breakdown:

• Human (or Mostly Human): With very few exceptions, princesses need to be primarily human. Ariel, initially a mermaid, qualifies because she transforms into a human.
• Royal Lineage or Heroic Deed: They must be born into royalty, marry into royalty, or perform an act of heroism significant enough to be considered “royal.” Mulan is the prime example of the latter.
• Star in a Disney Film: The character needs to star in a theatrically released, animated Disney feature film.
• Box Office Success and Enduring Popularity: The movie needs to have been a success, and the character must have lasting appeal to audiences. This is why some beloved characters, like Tinkerbell, aren’t officially princesses.
• Marketability: Let’s be honest: princesses are big business. Their appearance, relatability, and ability to sell merchandise are significant factors.

Beyond the Core Twelve: Notable Exclusions

While the official lineup is twelve, there are plenty of Disney characters who, by some metrics, could be considered princesses. This is where things get interesting and debates spark!

• Tinkerbell: While she’s the face of Disney Fairies and incredibly popular, Tinkerbell doesn’t fit the “starring in a theatrical animated feature film” criterion.
• Esmeralda (The Hunchback of Notre Dame): A strong, independent character, but the film’s darker themes and her commoner status prevent her from princess classification.
• Megara (Hercules): While she’s in a relationship with a god (half-god, half-human), she doesn’t meet the established criteria and the Hercules film wasn’t seen as successful as other Disney princess films.
• Alice (Alice in Wonderland): Her age and the surreal nature of Alice in Wonderland work against her.
• Anna and Elsa (Frozen): Here’s a twist! While obviously royalty, Disney decided to market Anna and Elsa under the Frozen brand, which is even bigger than the Disney Princess brand. This gave them greater marketing freedom. They are princesses, of course, but not Disney Princesses.
• Vanellope von Schweetz (Wreck-It Ralph): She technically is a princess, but she relinquished her title in Wreck-It Ralph. This effectively removes her from the princess lineup.

Disney Princesses: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let’s tackle some of the most common questions surrounding the Disney Princesses.

1. What was the first Disney Princess movie ever made?

The honor goes to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1937. It was a groundbreaking achievement in animation and cemented Disney’s place in cinematic history.

2. Who is the oldest Disney Princess?

Snow White and Cinderella are both 14 years old. While their films were released decades apart, they share the distinction of being the youngest and therefore, tied for the oldest in terms of character age at the time of their respective movies’ release.

3. Who is the youngest Disney Princess?

Merida from Brave is 16 years old.

4. Which Disney Princess doesn’t have a love interest?

This is a trick question! All the official Disney Princesses have a romantic interest in their respective films.

5. Who is the only Disney Princess who isn’t of royal birth?

Mulan is the only princess who gains her status through heroic deeds, not by birthright or marriage.

6. Which Disney Princess has no animal sidekick?

While many princesses have prominent animal companions, Belle is more associated with inanimate objects come-to-life (Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumiere, Cogsworth) than a traditional animal sidekick.

7. Is Elsa a Disney Princess? What about Anna?

As noted earlier, while Elsa and Anna are undoubtedly princesses, the Frozen franchise is marketed separately due to its immense popularity and broader marketing potential.

8. Who is the only Disney Princess with magical powers?

Technically, Rapunzel is the only official princess with inherent magical abilities granted by the sundrop flower’s powers in her hair. However, Ariel gains legs in exchange for her voice and the ability to breathe underwater and Tiana does briefly turn into a frog.

9. What makes someone an official Disney Princess?

As discussed earlier, the criteria include being human (or mostly human), of royal lineage or performing a heroic deed, starring in a theatrically released animated Disney feature film, box office success, enduring popularity, and marketability.

10. Are there any male Disney Princesses?

No. The term “Disney Princess” is specifically associated with female characters who meet the franchise’s criteria.

11. Who is the most popular Disney Princess?

This is subjective and varies based on cultural trends and audience preferences. However, consistently popular choices include Cinderella, Ariel, Belle, and more recently, Elsa (even though she’s not officially a Disney Princess).

12. Are there any upcoming Disney Princesses?

Disney is constantly developing new animated films, so the possibility of new princesses is always present. Keep an eye on Disney’s announcements for future theatrical releases.

The Enduring Magic of Disney Princesses

The Disney Princesses represent more than just fairy tales and happy endings. They embody themes of courage, kindness, perseverance, and self-discovery that resonate with audiences of all ages. While the official lineup may be subject to debate and evolving criteria, their impact on popular culture is undeniable. From Snow White to Moana, these characters continue to inspire, entertain, and remind us of the magic within ourselves. The names listed above are just the tip of the iceberg – each princess represents a world of stories, songs, and dreams that have captivated generations.