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Kailani

♀ Girl

Pronounced ky-LAH-nee /kaɪˈlɑː.ni/High

Meaning: Sea and sky; from Hawaiian kai (sea) + lani (sky, heaven)High

In 30 seconds: A luminous Hawaiian name meaning 'sea and sky,' combining the two great expanses of nature. Its flowing syllables and evocative imagery have made it a rising favorite on the U.S. mainland.
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Origin HighHawaiian
MeaningSea and sky; from Hawaiian kai (sea) + lani (sky, heaven)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 3,764

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201719802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Kailani is a Hawaiian compound name formed from kai ('sea') and lani ('sky, heaven, royalty'). Both elements are deeply embedded in Hawaiian culture and naming traditions. The sea and sky together represent the full natural world and carry spiritual significance in Hawaiian spirituality. The name has been used in Hawaii for generations.

Kailani has gained traction on the U.S. mainland in the 2010s and 2020s as interest in Hawaiian and Polynesian names has grown. Its three-syllable flow, positive meaning, and exotic but accessible sound appeal to parents across the country. It entered the U.S. top 500 girls' names in the 2010s.

Did you know? In Hawaiian culture, lani (sky, heaven) is one of the most elevated words — it is also found in names like Leilani ('heavenly flower') and Kalani ('the sky'), showing its importance in Hawaiian naming tradition.

Variations

KaylaniKalaniKailana

Nicknames

KaiLaniKaia

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kailani…

Leilani— Hawaiian name meaning 'heavenly flower,' shares the lani element
Kaia— short, breezy Hawaiian-influenced name equally popular on the mainland

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kailani mean?

Kailani means 'sea and sky' in Hawaiian, from kai (sea) and lani (sky, heaven).

How do you pronounce Kailani?

Kailani is pronounced ky-LAH-nee (/kaɪˈlɑː.ni/) — three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Kailani a boy or girl name?

Kailani is used almost exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Kailani?

Kailani entered the U.S. top 500 girls' names in the 2010s and has been rising steadily since.