"royal, majestic"
Origin: Hawaiian
Language: Hawaiian
Lani
Pronunciation: [ l-AHN-ee ]
Does Lani flow with your last name?
Hawaiian for sky and heaven, gracefully simple
Hawaiian
Polynesian
American
Earthy
Gentle
Whimsical
Modern
Playful
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Lani
Lani is a beautiful Hawaiian name meaning 'sky' or 'heaven.' In the Hawaiian language, it is also used to mean 'royal' or 'majestic,' as the heavens were considered sacred. It appears in many Hawaiian compound names such as Leilani (heavenly flower) and Kalani (the heavens). The name is a testament to the deep Hawaiian spiritual connection to nature.
Lani has been used in Hawaii for generations and gained wider appeal on the US mainland as Hawaiian culture and the spirit of aloha resonated with mainland Americans, particularly from the 1960s onward.
In Hawaiian culture, 'lani' is a deeply sacred word. Used in chants and prayers, it represents the divine realm above and is a mark of nobility. Many Hawaiian ali'i (royalty) incorporated 'lani' into their names.
Historical Record
Lani first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 6,599 babies have been named Lani in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Lani is past its peak , currently ranked #1,917 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Lani is a component of the beloved name Leilani, meaning 'heavenly flower'
- In Hawaiian, lani is used in reverent address to indicate someone of high status
- The name is unisex but skews strongly feminine in modern usage
Lani in Other Languages
Māori
Rangi (equivalent)
Samoan
Lagi
English
Lani
Japanese
ラニ
Popularity Over Time
#1,917
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1954
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Lani
L
Lani Hall
Musician
1945
American singer who performed with Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass and won a Grammy
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,917
- Total SSA Count
- 104
- Cultural Origins
- Hawaiian Polynesian American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Lan
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Hawaiian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Lani
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Lani is also used as a boy name, ranked #30610.
View Lani as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Hawaiian)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lani
What does the name Lani mean?
"royal, majestic" (from Hawaiian). Lani is a beautiful Hawaiian name meaning 'sky' or 'heaven.' In the Hawaiian language, it is also used to mean 'royal' or 'majestic,' as the heavens were considered sacred. It appears in many Hawaiian compound names such as Leilani (heavenly flower) and Kalani (the heavens). The name is a testament to the deep Hawaiian spiritual connection to nature.
What is the origin of the name Lani?
Lani has Hawaiian, Polynesian, and American origins. In Hawaiian, it means "royal, majestic".
Is Lani a boy or girl name?
Lani is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1917. As a boy name, it is ranked #30610. Lani is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Lani?
Lani is pronounced l-AHN-ee.
How popular is the name Lani?
Lani is currently ranked #1917 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Lani?
Common nicknames for Lani include Lan.
What are good middle names for Lani?
Popular middle name pairings include Lani Rose, Lani Mae, Lani Grace, Lani Claire, Lani Jade, Lani Pearl, and Lani Ann.
What are good sibling names for Lani?
Names that pair well with Lani as siblings include Kai, Malia, Koa, Hana, Nalu, Maile, and Kekoa.
How many syllables does Lani have?
Lani has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lani a common or rare name?
Lani is an uncommon name, ranked #1917 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Lani?
About the Name Lani
Lani is a girl name with Hawaiian, Polynesian, and American origins . The name means "royal, majestic" in Hawaiian .
Is Lani a boy or girl name? Lani is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,917 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #30,610. Lani is more commonly used as a girl name.
Lani is currently ranked #1,917 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Lani has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-AHN-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Lani include Lan. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Lani include Lana, Laney, Landry, Lanie, Lane . 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