"royal child of heaven"
Origin: Hawaiian
Language: Hawaiian
Leilani
Pronunciation: [ l-uhl-AHN-ee ]
Does Leilani flow with your last name?
A heavenly Hawaiian flower name full of aloha spirit
Hawaiian
Polynesian
American
Earthy
Spiritual
Unique
Elegant
Whimsical
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Leilani
Leilani is a compound Hawaiian name combining 'lei' (a garland of flowers, a symbol of love, welcome, and aloha) and 'lani' (heaven, sky, or royalty — a word reserved for the sacred and divine in Hawaiian culture). Together, Leilani means 'heavenly garland' or 'royal child of heaven.' In Hawaiian tradition, names are given with great care, often reflecting a child's spiritual connection to the natural world and the divine realm.
Leilani has been growing in popularity across the mainland US as Hawaiian and Polynesian names gain appreciation, and as parents seek names that feel exotic yet pronounceable. It entered the US top 500 in the 2010s and continues to rise as Hawaiian culture gains broader cultural appreciation.
In Hawaiian culture, 'lani' holds deep spiritual significance — used in chants (mele) and prayers to invoke the divine. The lei is one of Hawaii's most iconic symbols of aloha and welcome. The name Leilani carries both the beauty of the natural world and the sacredness of royalty and sky.
Historical Record
Leilani first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 51,418 babies have been named Leilani in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Leilani is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #66 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- 'Lani' is a common element in many Hawaiian names and words related to the divine or heavenly realm, signaling nobility and sacredness
- The traditional Hawaiian lei ceremony is a symbol of love, respect, and aloha — given to honor arrivals, departures, and celebrations
Leilani in Other Languages
Spanish
Leilani
Hawaiian
Leilani
Japanese
レイラニ
Tahitian
Reirāni
Popularity Over Time
#66
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Leilani
L
Leilani Kahale
Musician
1997
Hawaiian R&B singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and debut EP 'Can I?'
L
Leilani Mitchell
Athlete
1984
Professional basketball player in the WNBA, known for playing with the Seattle Storm
L
Leilani Münter
Athlete
1975
American racing driver and environmental activist who competed in NASCAR
L
Leilani Munter
Athlete
1975
American racing driver and environmental activist, one of the first women to compete in NASCAR stock car events
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Compare Leilani with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #66
- Total SSA Count
- 3,354
- Cultural Origins
- Hawaiian Polynesian American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Lei
Lani
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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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
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Leilani
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Leilani is also used as a boy name, ranked #23159.
View Leilani as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Leilani
What does the name Leilani mean?
"royal child of heaven" (from Hawaiian). Leilani is a compound Hawaiian name combining 'lei' (a garland of flowers, a symbol of love, welcome, and aloha) and 'lani' (heaven, sky, or royalty — a word reserved for the sacred and divine in Hawaiian culture). Together, Leilani means 'heavenly garland' or 'royal child of heaven.' In Hawaiian tradition, names are given with great care, often reflecting a child's spiritual connection to the natural world and the divine realm.
What is the origin of the name Leilani?
Leilani has Hawaiian, Polynesian, and American origins. In Hawaiian, it means "royal child of heaven".
Is Leilani a boy or girl name?
Leilani is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #66. As a boy name, it is ranked #23159. Leilani is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Leilani?
Leilani is pronounced l-uhl-AHN-ee.
How popular is the name Leilani?
Leilani is currently ranked #66 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Leilani?
Common nicknames for Leilani include Lei and Lani.
What are good middle names for Leilani?
Popular middle name pairings include Leilani Grace, Leilani Rose, Leilani Mae, Leilani Jade, Leilani Pearl, and Leilani Sky.
What are good sibling names for Leilani?
Names that pair well with Leilani as siblings include Kai, Keanu, Malia, Makoa, Koa, and Noelani.
How many syllables does Leilani have?
Leilani has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Leilani a common or rare name?
Leilani is a very popular name, ranked #66 among girl names in the United States.
What girl names are similar to Leilani?
About the Name Leilani
Leilani is a girl name with Hawaiian, Polynesian, and American origins . The name means "royal child of heaven" in Hawaiian .
Is Leilani a boy or girl name? Leilani is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #66 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #23,159. Leilani is more commonly used as a girl name.
Leilani is currently ranked #66 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Leilani has 4 syllables and is pronounced l-uhl-AHN-ee, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Leilani include Lei and Lani. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Leilani include Leila, Leilany, Leilah, Leilanni, Leilanie . 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