"the royal/divine one (lani = heaven/royalty)"
Origin: Hawaiian
Language: Hawaiian
Kehlani
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Hawaiian sky and sea, pure divine energy
Hawaiian
American
Pacific Islander
Earthy
Elegant
Modern
Unique
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Kehlani
Kehlani is a Hawaiian name derived from 'ke' (the) + 'lani' (sky, heaven, royal, majesty). In Hawaiian, 'lani' is a deeply significant word that can mean sky, heaven, or the divine — and was traditionally used to describe royalty (as in ali'i, the noble class). The full name suggests 'the heavenly one' or 'the royal sea.' The name Leilani (heavenly flower) is the more traditional Hawaiian form, and Kehlani is a modern variant that maintains the crucial lani element.
Kehlani as a given name soared into American consciousness primarily due to R&B singer Kehlani (born Kehlani Ashley Parrish), who rose to fame with her mixtape Cloud 19 (2014) and subsequent Grammy-nominated releases. Her unique name immediately attracted parents who heard it — unusual, melodic, and with an appealing Pacific Island cultural connection.
Hawaiian names carry deep cultural significance, traditionally connected to nature, spirituality, and genealogy. In Hawaiian culture, names are often given to reflect the child's spiritual character or ancestral connections. 'Lani' names are particularly prized for their divine connotations. The name also participates in the broader American interest in Hawaiian and Pacific Island culture.
Historical Record
Kehlani first appeared in US Social Security records in 2015.
Over 12,487 babies have been named Kehlani in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kehlani is a new entry on the US charts , currently ranked #150 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Hawaiian singer Kehlani's mixtape Cloud 19 received a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album in 2016
- The Hawaiian word 'lani' appears in dozens of names including Leilani, Kalani, Alani, and Ailani
- Kehlani entered the US top 500 girls' names in 2016, the year after the singer's breakthrough
Kehlani in Other Languages
Samoan
Kehlani
English
Kehlani
Hawaiian
Kehlani
Japanese
ケラニ
Tahitian
Kehlani
Popularity Over Time
#150
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
New Entry
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kehlani
K
Kehlani Parrish
Musician
1995
American R&B singer-songwriter known for You Should Be Here
K
Kehlani Ashley Parrish
Musician
1995
Grammy-nominated artist who popularized this name in recent years
K
Kehlani
Musician
1995
American R&B singer-songwriter whose Grammy-nominated work blends pop, R&B, and trap
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Compare Kehlani with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #150
- Total SSA Count
- 1,967
- Cultural Origins
- Hawaiian American Pacific Islander
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Keh
Lani
Keke
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, American heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kehlani
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Kehlani is also used as a boy name, ranked #43943.
View Kehlani as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kehlani
What does the name Kehlani mean?
"the royal/divine one (lani = heaven/royalty)" (from Hawaiian). Kehlani is a Hawaiian name derived from 'ke' (the) + 'lani' (sky, heaven, royal, majesty). In Hawaiian, 'lani' is a deeply significant word that can mean sky, heaven, or the divine — and was traditionally used to describe royalty (as in ali'i, the noble class). The full name suggests 'the heavenly one' or 'the royal sea.' The name Leilani (heavenly flower) is the more traditional Hawaiian form, and Kehlani is a modern variant that maintains the crucial lani element.
What is the origin of the name Kehlani?
Kehlani has Hawaiian, American, and Pacific Islander origins. In Hawaiian, it means "the royal/divine one (lani = heaven/royalty)".
Is Kehlani a boy or girl name?
Kehlani is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #150. As a boy name, it is ranked #43943. Kehlani is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Kehlani?
Kehlani is currently ranked #150 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kehlani?
Common nicknames for Kehlani include Keh, Lani, and Keke.
What are good middle names for Kehlani?
Popular middle name pairings include Kehlani Rose, Kehlani Marie, Kehlani Jade, Kehlani Grace, Kehlani Sky, Kehlani Blue, and Kehlani Faye.
What are good sibling names for Kehlani?
Names that pair well with Kehlani as siblings include Kaimana, Nalani, Leilani, Kai, Moana, Makoa, and Kaia.
How many syllables does Kehlani have?
Kehlani has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Kehlani a common or rare name?
Kehlani is a popular name, ranked #150 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
What girl names are similar to Kehlani?
Are there other spellings for Kehlani?
Related spellings include Kehlany.
About the Name Kehlani
Kehlani is a girl name with Hawaiian, American, and Pacific Islander origins . The name means "the royal/divine one (lani = heaven/royalty)" in Hawaiian .
Is Kehlani a boy or girl name? Kehlani is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #150 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #43,943. Kehlani is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kehlani is currently ranked #150 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kehlani has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Kehlani include Keh, Lani, and Keke. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kehlani include Kehlany . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis