"child of heaven"
Leylani
A heavenly Hawaiian flower with royal grace
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Leylani
Leylani is a variant spelling of Leilani, a Hawaiian name composed of 'lei' (garland, wreath of flowers) and 'lani' (sky, heaven, royalty). Together it means heavenly flower or heavenly child — or, given 'lani's' dual meaning, royal child. In Hawaiian culture, leis are symbols of aloha (love, peace, compassion) and are given as signs of deep respect and affection. The 'Leylani' spelling blends the Hawaiian original with the Arabic/Turkish name Leyla.
Leilani and its variants have grown in popularity across the US, particularly as Hawaiian and Polynesian culture gained broader appreciation. The name appears in the top 200 in Hawaii and has been rising in mainland states. The variant spelling Leylani has been adopted by non-Hawaiian families attracted to its flowing sound.
In Hawaiian culture, the lei is one of the most important cultural symbols — a gift of aloha worn at arrivals, departures, celebrations, and memorials. Naming a daughter after this symbol connects her to the deep tradition of Polynesian hospitality and the sacredness of nature. The 'lani' (heavenly/royal) element elevates the name further.
Fun Facts
- The lei has been listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hawaii for its role in Polynesian culture
- Leilani Mitchell was an WNBA basketball player who won multiple championships
- 'Lani' in Hawaiian means both heaven and royalty — making this name simultaneously celestial and regal
Leylani in Other Languages
Famous People Named Leylani
Leilani Mitchell
Athlete
1987
American WNBA point guard who won multiple championships with Seattle Storm and Phoenix Mercury
Leilani Münter
Athlete
1975
American racing driver and environmental activist, the first woman to race in 3 NASCAR series simultaneously
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #1,108
- Total SSA Count
- 220
- Cultural Origins
- Hawaiian Polynesian American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Leylani
What does the name Leylani mean?
What is the origin of the name Leylani?
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About the Name Leylani
Leylani is a girl name with Hawaiian, Polynesian, and American origins . The name means "child of heaven" in Hawaiian .
Leylani is currently ranked #1,108 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Leylani has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Leylani include Lani, Leyla, and Lei. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Leylani include Leyla, Leylah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.