Home › Baby Names Directory › Meilani

Meilani

♀ Girl

Pronounced may-LAH-nee /meɪˈlɑː.ni/High

Meaning: Variant spelling of Meilana or Meilani, blending Hawaiian mei (possibly related to a term of endearment or beauty) with lani meaning 'sky,' 'heavens,' or 'chief,' or alternatively a phonetic variant of Melani/Melanie with Hawaiian lani addedMedium

In 30 seconds: Meilani is a melodic Hawaiian-inspired name combining warmth and celestial imagery. With lani meaning 'heavenly' and a flowing three-syllable rhythm, it evokes island beauty.
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumHawaiian, American
MeaningVariant spelling of Meilana or Meilani, blending Hawaiian mei (possibly related to a term of endearment or beauty) with lani meaning 'sky,' 'heavens,' or 'chief,' or alternatively a phonetic variant of Melani/Melanie with Hawaiian lani added
U.S. rank (2025)#591 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births498 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 3,970

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519822025

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

History & Origin

Meilani is a modern creative name combining Hawaiian lani ('sky,' 'heavenly,' 'chief') with a softened mei- prefix, which may derive from a term of beauty or from a phonetic blending of Melanie with Hawaiian elements. It is part of a family of lani-names — Leilani, Kailani, Kalani — that have grown popular in American usage.

Meilani began appearing in U.S. birth records in the 21st century, reflecting the growing fashion for Hawaiian-inspired names with a lyrical, tropical sound. It is related to but distinct from Meilana and Meiliani, all of which share the lani core. It appeals to parents who want something musical and distinctive.

Did you know? In Hawaiian culture, lani was historically a word reserved for nobility and divinity — chiefs were called ali'i lani — meaning any name containing lani carries an implicit celestial dignity.
Overall data confidence 72%
Behind the Name — Leilani (related) — Hawaiian element analysisU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MeilanaKailaniLeilani

Nicknames

MeiLani

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Meilani…

Leilani— classic Hawaiian name meaning 'heavenly flower' sharing the same lani element
Kailani— Hawaiian compound name with kai and lani sharing the same celestial suffix
Kalani— Hawaiian name meaning 'the sky' with the same lani root
Melanie— English name with similar sound profile from which Meilani may partly derive

Frequently Asked

What does the name Meilani mean?

Meilani blends Hawaiian elements including lani meaning 'sky,' 'heavenly,' or 'chief,' creating a name evoking celestial beauty.

How do you pronounce Meilani?

It is said may-LAH-nee — three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Meilani a boy or girl name?

Meilani is used exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Meilani?

Meilani is an uncommon name in the U.S., chosen by parents who love Hawaiian-inspired lani names with a fresh spelling.