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Keilani

♀ Girl

Pronounced kay-LAH-nee /keɪˈlɑː.ni/High

Meaning: Hawaiian name from kai (sea, ocean water) and lani (sky, heaven, heavenly, royal chief), meaning 'heavenly sea' or 'glorious sea'; lani also implies chiefly rank and divine status in Hawaiian cultureHigh

In 30 seconds: Keilani is a flowing Hawaiian name meaning 'heavenly sea,' combining the beauty of the ocean with the majesty of the sky. With the popular Kai sound and the lani element beloved across Polynesian names, it is a beautiful multicultural choice.
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Origin HighHawaiian
MeaningHawaiian name from kai (sea, ocean water) and lani (sky, heaven, heavenly, royal chief), meaning 'heavenly sea' or 'glorious sea'; lani also implies chiefly rank and divine status in Hawaiian culture
U.S. rank (2025)#727 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births383 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 5,301

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202219752025

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

History & Origin

Keilani is a Hawaiian compound name from kai (sea) and lani (heaven, sky, royal). Hawaiian naming traditions often combine natural elements — particularly sky, sea, and land — to create evocative names connected to the islands' landscape. The -lani element is one of the most beloved in Hawaiian naming.

Keilani has grown in popularity on the U.S. mainland as Hawaiian and Polynesian names have gained broader appreciation. It appeals to families with Hawaiian heritage and to parents drawn to the musical, nature-connected quality of Hawaiian names.

Did you know? In Hawaiian culture, lani (sky/heaven) was a title reserved for those of the highest chiefly rank — the ali'i nui. Names containing lani, like Keilani, Leilani, and Kalani, carry this connotation of nobility and divine connection to the heavens above the islands.
Overall data confidence 85%
Behind the Name — Hawaiian names — etymology of kai and lani elementsU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KaylaniKalaniLeilani

Nicknames

KeiLaniKei-Kei

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Keilani…

Leilani— shares the -lani element and Hawaiian sea/heaven meaning, virtually a sibling name
Kalani— another beloved Hawaiian -lani name with the same chiefly sky meaning
Moana— shares the Hawaiian ocean meaning and the same melodious Polynesian heritage
Ailani— fellow Hawaiian -lani name meaning 'high chief' with the same noble quality

Frequently Asked

What does the name Keilani mean?

Keilani means 'heavenly sea' from Hawaiian kai (sea) + lani (heaven, sky, royal). The lani element also implies chiefly rank in Hawaiian culture.

How do you pronounce Keilani?

Keilani is pronounced kay-LAH-nee /keɪˈlɑː.ni/ — three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Keilani the same as Leilani?

Keilani and Leilani are related but distinct names. Both contain -lani (heaven). Leilani means 'heavenly flower'; Keilani means 'heavenly sea.'

Is Keilani a popular name?

Keilani is growing in popularity on the U.S. mainland, appealing to families with Hawaiian heritage and parents drawn to Polynesian names.