Final answer:
Snow White's name was always Snow White in the fairy tale and subsequent adaptations. Disney's portrayal of female characters, historically, had them typically being rescued by male characters, but modern Disney movies feature more independent and proactive female leads.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character who became known as Snow White did not have a different name prior to becoming the iconic character we know from Disney's adaptation. The story of Snow White originates from a German fairy tale published by the Brothers Grimm in 1812, part of their collection Grimms' Fairy Tales. Unlike some portrayals of girls in other stories and media, where characters may have different names or identities before they become known by the names in their respective titles or adaptations, Snow White has always been referred to as Snow White or a variant thereof in the various tellings of the tale.
Discussions around Disney's portrayals of girls often revolve around the roles that these characters play within their stories and the broader context of their influence on young audiences. Disney movies, particularly those featuring princesses, have historically depicted female leads in roles that involve being rescued by male characters and finding happiness in marriage, although this has evolved over time with characters like Mulan, Tiana, Merida, Moana, and Rey, who have demonstrated more agency and independence.