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Home › Baby Names Directory › Alani

Alani

♀ Girl

Pronounced ah-LAH-nee /əˈlɑː.ni/High

Meaning: Orange tree — from Hawaiian alani (orange tree, orange fruit)High

In 30 seconds: From the Hawaiian word for 'orange tree,' Alani is a fragrant, lyrical name that has crossed from Hawaiian culture into mainstream American naming, riding the wave of Polynesian-inspired girls' names.
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Origin HighHawaiian
MeaningOrange tree — from Hawaiian alani (orange tree, orange fruit)
U.S. rank (2025)#161 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births1,843 girls (0.11% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 18,792

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519782025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Alani is a Hawaiian word meaning 'orange tree' or 'orange.' Hawaiian names became more broadly used in the United States from the mid-20th century onward, and the Polynesian-inspired name trend of the 2010s brought Alani to wider attention. It shares a sound family with Kalani, Leilani, and Kailani.

Alani entered U.S. birth records in significant numbers in the 2010s, part of the broader Hawaiian/Polynesian name trend. It is also the name of the singer Alani Nicole 'Lani' Kai. Its lyrical three-syllable structure, fragrant meaning, and accessible sound have driven it into the U.S. top 300 girls' names.

Did you know? The orange tree (alani in Hawaiian, Citrus sinensis) was introduced to Hawaii by early traders and missionaries and became an important agricultural crop. In Hawaiian culture the fragrance of orange blossoms carries symbolic associations of warmth and abundance.

Variations

AlanaAlayna

Nicknames

LaniAli

Famous Bearers

  • ★La La Anthony (1979-)
    American TV personality and actress, born Alani Nicole Vazquez

If you like Alani…

Leilani— Hawaiian classic meaning 'heavenly lei' sharing Alani's flowing Polynesian sound
Kailani— Hawaiian name meaning 'sea and sky' with the same three-syllable musicality
Kehlani— Hawaiian-influenced name with the same modern Polynesian appeal
Ahlani— a fellow Hawaiian choice
Ailani— a similarly popular pick

Frequently Asked

What does the name Alani mean?

Alani means 'orange tree' or 'orange' in Hawaiian, evoking fragrance and warmth.

How do you pronounce Alani?

Alani is pronounced ah-LAH-nee /əˈlɑː.ni/ — three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Alani a boy or girl name?

Alani is used as a girls' name in the United States.

How popular is Alani?

Alani entered the U.S. top 300 girls' names in the 2010s and continues to grow as Hawaiian and Polynesian names gain popularity.

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