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Kalani

♀ Girl

Pronounced kah-LAH-nee /kɑːˈlɑː.ni/High

Meaning: From Hawaiian ka (the) and lani (sky, heaven, heavenly, royal), meaning the heavens or the sky; a name associated with royalty and spirituality in Hawaiian cultureHigh

In 30 seconds: Kalani is a luminous Hawaiian name meaning 'the heavens' or 'royalty,' carrying the warmth of island culture and a melodic three-syllable flow beloved by modern parents.
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Origin HighHawaiian
MeaningFrom Hawaiian ka (the) and lani (sky, heaven, heavenly, royal), meaning the heavens or the sky; a name associated with royalty and spirituality in Hawaiian culture
U.S. rank (2025)#387 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births800 girls (0.05% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2021
Total births (all-time)≈ 10,271

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202119632025

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

History & Origin

Kalani is a compound of the Hawaiian definite article ka and the noun lani, meaning sky, heaven, or the chiefly rank. It is a traditional Hawaiian name used for both men and women, reflecting the culture's reverence for the sky and high-ranking chiefs.

Kalani has spread beyond Hawaii in the 21st century as appreciation for Hawaiian and Polynesian culture has grown. It is now one of the more recognizable Hawaiian names in the continental United States.

Did you know? In Hawaiian tradition, lani (heavenly) is a mark of the highest chiefly rank — making Kalani not just a sky name but a genuine royal title rooted in Polynesian genealogy.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Kalani — Hawaiian etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KalanieKailani

Nicknames

KaliLani

Famous Bearers

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If you like Kalani…

Kailani— sister Hawaiian name also combining kai or ka with lani (sky/sea)
Leilani— shares the heavenly lani element and melodic Hawaiian flow
Malia— Hawaiian form of Maria with the same island warmth and femininity
Keala— Hawaiian name with the same melodic structure and cultural authenticity

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kalani mean?

Kalani means the heavens or sky in Hawaiian, combining ka (the) with lani (sky, heaven, royal).

How do you pronounce Kalani?

It is said kah-LAH-nee /kɑːˈlɑː.ni/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Kalani a boy or girl name?

Kalani is used for both in Hawaiian tradition, but in the continental U.S. it leans feminine.

Is Kalani a popular name?

Kalani has been steadily rising in the U.S. as Hawaiian names gain wider appreciation.