"glorious sky, exalted heaven"
Origin: Hawaiian
Language: Hawaiian
Keilani
Girl Name
#751 Most Popular
Rising
4 Syllables
A Hawaiian name meaning heavenly glory
Hawaiian
Pacific Islander
American
Unique
Earthy
Spiritual
Whimsical
Elegant
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Keilani
Keilani is a Hawaiian compound name blending 'kei' (honored, glorious) and 'lani' (sky, heaven, royalty). In Hawaiian culture, lani is one of the most sacred words — it refers simultaneously to the sky, the heavens, and the exalted status of chiefs. The name thus carries the dual meaning of celestial glory and noble honor, reflecting Hawaiian cosmology where the sky and divine authority are intertwined.
Keilani has grown steadily in the US over the past decade as Hawaiian names gain mainstream appeal. It exists in the shadow of the more common 'Leilani' but offers a distinctive alternative. The rising interest in Pacific Islander heritage names has contributed to its growth.
In Hawaiian culture, the word 'lani' is deeply sacred, associated with the sky gods and the ali'i (chiefly class). Names containing 'lani' were traditionally given only to those of high rank. Using Keilani today honors this tradition while making it accessible to modern families.
Fun Facts
- In ancient Hawaii, only members of the ali'i (chiefly class) were traditionally given names containing 'lani' (sky/heaven)
- Hawaii has the highest proportion of residents with Hawaiian names in the United States
Keilani in Other Languages
Samoan
Seilani (similar)
Tongan
Heilani (similar)
English
Heavenly Glory
Hawaiian
Keilani
Famous People Named Keilani
K
Keilani Rickert
Athlete
1990
American volleyball player of Hawaiian descent who competed professionally
K
Keilani (character) Fictional
Other
A Hawaiian princess character appearing in various Pacific Islander folklore retellings
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #751
- Total SSA Count
- 374
- Cultural Origins
- Hawaiian Pacific Islander American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kei
Lani
Pairs Well With
Keilani Rose
Keilani Grace
Keilani Marie
Keilani Joy
Keilani Hope
Keilani Jade
Keilani Anne
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Keilani is also used as a boy name, ranked #43826.
View Keilani as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Keilani and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Keilani sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Frequently Asked Questions About Keilani
What does the name Keilani mean?
"glorious sky, exalted heaven" (from Hawaiian). Keilani is a Hawaiian compound name blending 'kei' (honored, glorious) and 'lani' (sky, heaven, royalty). In Hawaiian culture, lani is one of the most sacred words — it refers simultaneously to the sky, the heavens, and the exalted status of chiefs. The name thus carries the dual meaning of celestial glory and noble honor, reflecting Hawaiian cosmology where the sky and divine authority are intertwined.
What is the origin of the name Keilani?
Keilani has Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and American origins. In Hawaiian, it means "glorious sky, exalted heaven".
Is Keilani a boy or girl name?
Keilani is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #751. As a boy name, it is ranked #43826. Keilani is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Keilani?
Keilani is currently ranked #751 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Keilani?
Common nicknames for Keilani include Kei and Lani.
What are good middle names for Keilani?
Popular middle name pairings include Keilani Rose, Keilani Grace, Keilani Marie, Keilani Joy, Keilani Hope, Keilani Jade, and Keilani Anne.
What are good sibling names for Keilani?
Names that pair well with Keilani as siblings include Leilani, Kai, Noa, Malia, Koa, Hana, and Keanu.
How many syllables does Keilani have?
Keilani has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Keilani a common or rare name?
Keilani is moderately common, ranked #751 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Keilani
Keilani is a girl name with Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and American origins . The name means "glorious sky, exalted heaven" in Hawaiian .
Is Keilani a boy or girl name? Keilani is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #751 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #43,826. Keilani is more commonly used as a girl name.
Keilani is currently ranked #751 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Keilani has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Keilani include Kei and Lani. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Keilani include Keily, Keilany, Keila, Keilyn, Keilah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.