Hawaiian Girl Names That Mean Royalty
Hawaiian girl names that mean royalty nearly all share one root — lani, the word for sky — because in old Hawaii the chiefs were literally 'of the heavens.'
Names122
OriginHawaiian
MeaningRoyalty
GenderGirl
Look closely at this list and one pattern jumps out: nine of the twelve names carry lani, the Hawaiian word for sky or heaven. Leilani, Kalani, Keilani, and Lani all trace back to it — because in Hawaiian tradition, chiefs and rulers were considered close to the heavens, so lani carries royalty as a second, layered meaning.
The rest of the list shows how far that root travels: Leilany and Leylani are spelling variants of Leilani, while Kahlani and Khalani reshape the sound of Kalani for African-American naming traditions. Leia took a different path entirely, riding Star Wars to fame.
Why So Many Hawaiian Girl Names That Mean Royalty Use Lani
In Hawaiian naming tradition, lani wasn't just scenery — it described rank. Naylani literally combines 'the' with 'heaven or royalty,' giving it the sense of 'the divine one.' Ailanny is a newer, creative spin on the same lani names, showing the root is still being reshaped by parents today rather than treated as fixed or historical.
Beyond Lani: Other Paths to the Same Meaning
Not every name here leans on lani. Kiana arrives at a similar meaning of nobility through separate Persian and Latinate roots that happen to converge with Hawaiian usage, while Leia connects to the biblical Leah before pop culture gave it a second life. Together they show that a parent chasing this meaning has more than one linguistic path to choose from.
Names List
Ailany#14 in the U.S.Chief, high chiefPronounced ay-LAH-nee▶Leilani#60 in the U.S.Heavenly flower; royal child of heaven — from Hawaiian lei (flower garland, child) + lani (heaven, sky, rPronounced lay-LAH-nee▶Ailani#168 in the U.S.High chiefPronounced ay-LAH-nee▶Aylani#293 in the U.S.High chief — variant spelling of AilaniPronounced ay-LAH-nee▶Leia#297 in the U.S.Weary; variant of Leah from Hebrew; also influenced by Hawaiian leia (child of heaven) and the Star Wars Pronounced LAY-uh▶Kalani#387 in the U.S.From Hawaiian ka (the) and lani (sky, heaven, heavenly, royal), meaning the heavens or the sky; a name asPronounced kah-LAH-nee▶Leilany#696 in the U.S.Heavenly flower; from Hawaiian lei (wreath of flowers) and lani (heaven, sky, royalty), a variant of LeilPronounced lay-LAH-nee▶Keilani#727 in the U.S.Hawaiian name from kai (sea, ocean water) and lani (sky, heaven, heavenly, royal chief), meaning 'heavenlPronounced kay-LAH-nee▶Kiana#743 in the U.S.Multiple possible origins: a Hawaiian form meaning 'divine' or from the Persian Kiana meaning 'of royal hPronounced kee-AH-nah▶Kahlani#875 in the U.S.A variant of the Hawaiian name Kalani, from ka (the) and lani (sky, heaven, royalty), meaning 'the sky', Pronounced kah-LAH-nee▶Naylani#897 in the U.S.Variant of Hawaiian Nailani, composed of na (the, of) and lani (heaven, sky, royalty, divine chief); meanPronounced nay-LAH-nee▶Khalani#904 in the U.S.Variant of Hawaiian Kalani, composed of ka (the) and lani (heaven, sky, royalty, divine chief); meaning tPronounced kah-LAH-nee▶Ailanny#932 in the U.S.Likely a creative variant combining elements of Hawaiian lani (heaven, sky, royalty) with a Spanish or AmPronounced ay-LAH-nee▶Leylani#971 in the U.S.Variant of Leilani, from Hawaiian lei meaning garland or flower wreath and lani meaning sky, heaven, or rPronounced lay-LAH-nee▶Lani#1911 in the U.S.Sky, heaven, royal, majestyPronounced LA-nee▶Maylani#2124 in the U.S.Modern Hawaiian-style coinage from lani 'heaven, sky, royal', interpreted as 'heavenly'; not a traditionaPronounced mayl-AN-ee▶Nylani#2242 in the U.S.heavenly, sky, royalPronounced ny-LAH-nee▶Dalani#2246 in the U.S.heavenly, sky, royalPronounced dah-LAH-nee▶Klani#2328 in the U.S.heavenly, sky, royalPronounced KLAH-nee▶Kayloni#2982 in the U.S.A modern coined name blending the English Kay element (from Kayla, meaning rejoice or laurel crown) with Pronounced kay-LOH-nee▶Maliya#2993 in the U.S.Variant of Malia, the Hawaiian form of Mary/Maria, from the Hebrew Miriam meaning beloved, wished-for chiPronounced mah-LEE-yah▶Kaliana#3130 in the U.S.Likely a creative elaboration of Hawaiian Kalani ('the heavens, royalty') with the suffix -ana, or a blenPronounced kah-lee-AH-nah▶Lelani#3136 in the U.S.Variant spelling of Leilani, a Hawaiian name from 'lei' (garland, flower wreath, child) and 'lani' (heavePronounced leh-LAH-nee▶Mehlani#3146 in the U.S.Modern creative elaboration, likely a phonetic variant of Leilani (Hawaiian: 'heavenly flower') or an altPronounced meh-LAH-nee▶Zalani#3260 in the U.S.Modern American coinage pairing the bold Z- opening with -lani, the Hawaiian word for 'sky, heavens, royaPronounced zah-LAH-nee▶Talani#3371 in the U.S.Modern American coinage pairing the Ta- opening with -lani, the Hawaiian element meaning 'sky, heavens, rPronounced tah-LAH-nee▶Leilanni#3671 in the U.S.Double-n spelling of Leilani — Hawaiian 'heavenly flowers' or 'royal child', from lei, 'garland', and lanPronounced lay-LAH-nee▶Kaloni#3715 in the U.S.From Hawaiian kalani, 'the heavens, the sky, the royal one' (ka, 'the', plus lani, 'heaven'); -oni spelliPronounced kah-LOH-nee▶Mialani#3787 in the U.S.Modern blend of Mia ('mine/beloved') with Hawaiian -lani, 'heaven, royal' — a melodic coinagePronounced mee-ah-LAH-nee▶Dailani#3826 in the U.S.Modern blend joining a Dai-/Day- opening to Hawaiian -lani, 'heaven, royal'; no single fixed rootPronounced dy-LAH-nee▶Leilanie#4327 in the U.S.-ie spelling of Leilani — Hawaiian lei, 'flowers, garland', plus lani, 'heaven, royal' — 'heavenly flowerPronounced lay-LAH-nee▶Kiani#4413 in the U.S.From Persian kiani, 'royal, kingly' (the Kianian dynasty); also a Hawaiian-styled name; routes layeredPronounced kee-AH-nee▶Aalani#4651 in the U.S.From Hawaiian Aalani/Alani — 'chief, royal one' (ali'i); also tied to lani, 'heaven'; routes layeredPronounced ah-LAH-nee▶Aolani#4658 in the U.S.From Hawaiian ao, 'cloud, daylight, world', plus lani, 'heaven, royal' — 'heavenly cloud; royal one from Pronounced ow-LAH-nee▶Lalani#4707 in the U.S.From Hawaiian lala, 'branch/flower', plus lani, 'heaven, royal' — 'heavenly flower; royal one'; also echoPronounced lah-LAH-nee▶Leilanii#4822 in the U.S.Double-i spelling of Leilani — from Hawaiian lei, 'flowers, garland', plus lani, 'heaven, royal' — 'heavePronounced lay-LAH-nee▶Kalanii#4938 in the U.S.Double-i spelling of Kalani — from Hawaiian ka, 'the', plus lani, 'heaven, sky, royal' — 'the heavens; thPronounced kah-LAH-nee▶Nolani#4975 in the U.S.Modern coinage echoing the Hawaiian -lani ('heaven, sky, royal') names and Nola; often read 'of the heavePronounced noh-LAH-nee▶Kaylahni#5071 in the U.S.-h- spelling of Kalani/Kaylani — from Hawaiian, 'the heavens; the sky, the royal one'; routes layeredPronounced kay-LAH-nee▶Halani#5335 in the U.S.From Polynesian (Hawaiian/Tongan) lani, 'the sky, the heavens; royal, majestic' — 'the heavens; majesty'Pronounced hah-LAH-nee▶Jaylanni#5340 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining a Jay- opening to -lani ('heavenly, royal', Hawaiian/Polynesian); no single fixed Pronounced jay-LAH-nee▶Kaylanii#5352 in the U.S.Double-i spelling of Kailani/Kalani — Hawaiian, 'the heavens; the sea and sky; royal'Pronounced kay-LAH-nee▶Leylanie#5360 in the U.S.Spelling of Leilani — Hawaiian, 'heavenly flower; royal child' (lei, 'flower/garland', plus lani, 'heavenPronounced lay-LAH-nee▶Nelani#5384 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining a Ne- opening to -lani ('the heavens, royal', Hawaiian); no single fixed rootPronounced nə-LAH-nee▶Daelani#5465 in the U.S.Modern coinage joining a Dae- opening to -lani ('the heavens, royal', Hawaiian); no single fixed rootPronounced day-LAH-nee▶Kalahni#5500 in the U.S.-ah- spelling of Kalani — from Hawaiian, 'the heavens; the sky; royal, chiefly, majestic'Pronounced kə-LAH-nee▶Kyana#5511 in the U.S.-y- spelling of Kiana — Hawaiian, 'divine', or Persian, 'the moon; royal'; also a modern blend; routes laPronounced ky-AH-nah▶Leighlani#5515 in the U.S.Leigh-spelling of Leilani — Hawaiian, 'heavenly flower; royal child' (lei, 'flower/garland', plus lani, 'Pronounced lay-LAH-nee▶Deylani#5648 in the U.S.A modern name with a Dey- opening and the -lani ending ('heaven, royal', Hawaiian); no single fixed root;Pronounced day-LAH-nee▶Eilani#5830 in the U.S.A modern name with the -lani ending ('heaven, royal', Hawaiian), echoing Leilani; also Hebrew ilan, 'an oPronounced ay-LAH-nee▶Leilanny#5876 in the U.S.-nny spelling of Leilani — Hawaiian, 'heavenly flower; royal child' (lei, 'flower/garland', plus lani, 'hPronounced lay-LAH-nee▶Marlani#5882 in the U.S.A modern name joining a Mar- opening ('of the sea', Latin) with the -lani ending ('heaven, royal', HawaiiPronounced mar-LAH-nee▶Nilani#5898 in the U.S.A modern name joining Nila ('blue; sapphire', Sanskrit) with the -lani ending ('heaven, royal', Hawaiian)Pronounced nee-LAH-nee▶Taylani#5922 in the U.S.A modern name joining a Tay- opening (echoing Taylor) with the -lani ending ('heaven, royal', Hawaiian); Pronounced tay-LAH-nee▶Zylani#5940 in the U.S.A modern name joining a Zy- opening with the -lani ending ('heaven, royal', Hawaiian); no single fixed roPronounced zy-LAH-nee▶Tylani#6119 in the U.S.A modern name joining a Ty- opening with the -lani ending ('heaven, royal', Hawaiian); no single fixed roPronounced ty-LAH-nee▶Ellani#6211 in the U.S.A modern name with an El- opening and the -lani ending ('heaven, royal', Hawaiian); no single fixed root;Pronounced eh-LAH-nee▶Laelani#6509 in the U.S.A spelling of Leilani — from Hawaiian, 'a heavenly flower; a royal child' (lei, 'a garland, a flower', plPronounced lay-LAH-nee▶Lany#7080 in the U.S.Variously a short form of Delaney/Alanis and the Hawaiian lani, 'the sky; heaven; royal'; routes layeredPronounced LAH-nee▶Kalana#7385 in the U.S.A modern name, variously echoing Hawaiian Kalani ('the heavens; the royal one') and Kalan; routes uncertaPronounced kah-LAH-nah▶Zyalani#7564 in the U.S.A modern coined name, joining a Zya- element with the -lani ending (Hawaiian, 'heaven; sky; royal'); no sPronounced zee-uh-LAH-nee▶Lelania#7596 in the U.S.Lelania is a spelling variant of Leilani, a Hawaiian name from lei, 'flower' or 'garland', and lani, 'heaPronounced luh-LAH-nee-uh▶Cahlani#7636 in the U.S.A spelling of Kalani — from Hawaiian, 'the heavens; the sky; the royal one; the chief' (ka, 'the', + laniPronounced kah-LAH-nee▶Khlani#7761 in the U.S.A modern coined name, a contracted spelling of Khalani/Kalani (Hawaiian, 'the heaven; the sky; the royal Pronounced kuh-LAH-nee▶Kalanie#8144 in the U.S.A form of Kalani — from the Hawaiian, 'the heavens; the sky; a chief of royal blood' (ka, 'the', + lani, Pronounced kuh-LAH-nee▶Kilani#8171 in the U.S.A form of Kalani — from the Hawaiian, 'heaven; the sky; the high one' (linked to lani, 'heaven; sky; royaPronounced kee-LAH-nee▶Laylanii#8702 in the U.S.A modern name, a spelling echoing Leilani ('heavenly flowers; a royal child of heaven', Hawaiian); no sinPronounced lay-LAH-nee▶Leilahni#8709 in the U.S.A spelling of Leilani — from the Hawaiian lei, 'a garland of flowers; a child', + lani, 'heaven; royalty'Pronounced lay-LAH-nee▶Yeilani#9499 in the U.S.A modern name, echoing Leilani ('heavenly flowers; royal child', Hawaiian); no single fixed root; routes Pronounced yay-LAH-nee▶Leihlani#9927 in the U.S.A spelling of Leilani — from the Hawaiian lei, 'a flower garland/a child', + lani, 'heaven/sky/royal', hePronounced lay-LAH-nee▶Ralani#10068 in the U.S.A modern name, variously joining a Ra- opening with the Hawaiian -lani ('heaven; sky; royal'); a fresh coPronounced rah-LAH-nee▶Hokulani#10545 in the U.S.From the Hawaiian hoku ('star') and lani ('heaven; sky; royal'), 'heavenly star; star of heaven.' A beautPronounced hoh-koo-LAH-nee▶Kalanni#10627 in the U.S.A double-n spelling of Kalani, from the Hawaiian ka lani, 'the heavens; the sky; the royal one.' The -nniPronounced kuh-LAH-nee▶Lealani#10693 in the U.S.A Hawaiian-styled name in the Leilani family, joining lei ('wreath; garland; beloved') with lani ('sky; hPronounced lay-uh-LAH-nee▶Leiloni#10793 in the U.S.A modern respelling of the Hawaiian Leilani, 'heavenly flowers; royal child' (lei, 'garland of flowers,' Pronounced lay-LOH-nee▶Cehlani#11377 in the U.S.A modern spelling echoing Kehlani, a recent American coinage, and the Hawaiian ending -lani, 'sky, heavenPronounced seh-LAH-nee▶Hanalei#11424 in the U.S.From Hanalei, a bay and valley on Kauai, Hawaii — often interpreted as 'crescent bay' or 'lei-making vallPronounced hah-nah-LAY▶Kaiulani#11563 in the U.S.From the Hawaiian Kaiulani (Ka'iulani), often read as 'the royal sacred one; the heavenly one; the highesPronounced kah-ee-oo-LAH-nee▶Kamalani#11574 in the U.S.From the Hawaiian Kamalani, kama ('child') and lani ('sky; heaven; royal'), read as 'heavenly child; chilPronounced kah-mah-LAH-nee▶Leilanys#11667 in the U.S.A modern -s extension of the Hawaiian Leilani, 'heavenly flowers; royal child of heaven' (lei, 'flowers; Pronounced lay-LAH-nees▶Moani#11783 in the U.S.From the Hawaiian moani, 'a gentle breeze; the wafting of fragrance on the wind.' A soft nature name evokPronounced moh-AH-nee▶Noalani#11832 in the U.S.From the Hawaiian noe ('mist') or noa with lani ('sky; heaven; royal'), giving 'heavenly mist' or 'heavenPronounced noh-ah-LAH-nee▶Tailani#12002 in the U.S.Tailani reads as a modern coinage in the popular -lani family (Hawaiian 'lani', heaven; sky; royal), pairPronounced ty-LAH-nee▶Yailani#12062 in the U.S.Yailani reads as a modern coinage in the popular -lani family (Hawaiian 'lani', heaven; sky; royal), withPronounced yy-LAH-nee▶Zaelani#12088 in the U.S.A modern coinage layering a Zae- opening with the -lani ending of Kehlani and Leilani; by that Hawaiian ePronounced zay-LAH-nee▶Zehlani#12105 in the U.S.A modern coinage closely echoing Kehlani, layering a Zeh- opening with the -lani ending; by that HawaiianPronounced zeh-LAH-nee▶Kayelani#12232 in the U.S.Kayelani joins the name Kaye with the Hawaiian element lani, meaning heaven, sky, or royal. The blend reaPronounced kay-uh-LAH-nee▶Kehaulani#12793 in the U.S.Kehaulani is a Hawaiian name usually read as 'the dew of heaven,' combining ke, a definite article, with Pronounced keh-how-LAH-nee▶Laiani#12820 in the U.S.A Hawaiian-style given name that echoes lani ('heaven; sky; royal') within a flowing, coined shape. It maPronounced ligh-AH-nee▶Lailanni#12821 in the U.S.A modern spelling in the family of Leilani, a Hawaiian name meaning 'heavenly flowers; heavenly lei' (leiPronounced ligh-LAH-nee▶Lailany#12822 in the U.S.A modern spelling in the family of Leilani, a Hawaiian name meaning 'heavenly flowers; heavenly lei' (leiPronounced ligh-LAH-nee▶Reilani#13123 in the U.S.A modern name built on the Hawaiian element lani, 'sky; heaven; royal', which appears in Leilani ('heavenPronounced ray-LAH-nee▶Wailani#13339 in the U.S.From Hawaiian wai, 'fresh water', and lani, 'heaven; sky; royal' — read together as 'heavenly water' or 'Pronounced wy-LAH-nee▶Uilani#13349 in the U.S.From the Hawaiian, generally read as 'heavenly beauty' or 'royal splendour' (from lani, 'heaven; royal; sPronounced oo-ee-LAH-nee▶Keylany#14352 in the U.S.Keylany is a modern spelling of Kailani/Kalani, names built from Hawaiian elements kai ('sea') and lani (Pronounced kay-LAH-nee▶Kylahni#14398 in the U.S.Kylahni is a modern American coinage that joins the Ky- opening to the -lani ending, borrowed from HawaiiPronounced ky-LAH-nee▶Lailanie#14539 in the U.S.A modern coinage that echoes the Hawaiian Leilani, 'heavenly flowers; royal child.' As spelled it reads aPronounced ly-LAH-nee▶Malulani#14562 in the U.S.From Hawaiian malu ('shade; shelter; protection') and lani ('sky; heaven; royal'), giving a sense of 'undPronounced mah-loo-LAH-nee▶Mililani#14651 in the U.S.A Hawaiian name usually glossed 'heavenly caress', from mili ('to caress; to handle gently') and lani ('sPronounced mee-lee-LAH-nee▶Nohealani#14755 in the U.S.A Hawaiian compound of nohea, 'lovely; handsome; of fine appearance', and lani, 'heaven; sky; royal'. ThePronounced noh-heh-ah-LAH-nee▶Selani#14882 in the U.S.A modern coinage whose -lani ending echoes the Hawaiian lani ('heaven; sky; royal'); as a whole name its Pronounced seh-LAH-nee▶Ahilani#15325 in the U.S.A Hawaiian-styled name whose second element, lani, is genuine Hawaiian for 'sky, heaven, royal'. The firsPronounced ah-hee-LAH-nee▶Avalani#15559 in the U.S.A modern coinage joining Ava to -lani, the Hawaiian word for 'sky, heaven, royal.' The ending is genuine Pronounced ah-vuh-LAH-nee▶Heilani#16124 in the U.S.A Hawaiian-styled name carrying lani ('heaven; sky; royal; heavenly'), a beloved Hawaiian element. As a fPronounced hay-LAH-nee▶Helani#16125 in the U.S.A Hawaiian-styled name carrying lani ('heaven; sky; royal; heavenly'). As a full name its sense is layerePronounced heh-LAH-nee▶Iolani#16169 in the U.S.From the Hawaiian io ('hawk') and lani ('heaven; sky; royal'), 'royal hawk; bird of heaven' - a name of gPronounced ee-oh-LAH-nee▶Kelanii#16423 in the U.S.A modern coinage echoing Kehlani and the Hawaiian Kalani ('the heavens; the sky; royal one'). By that echPronounced keh-LAH-nee▶Leelani#16548 in the U.S.Leelani is a phonetic respelling of Leilani, a Hawaiian name from lei ('flower garland, wreath') and laniPronounced lay-LAH-nee▶Leilanee#16593 in the U.S.A phonetic respelling of Leilani, a genuine Hawaiian name from lei ('flowers, garland, child') and lani (Pronounced lay-LAH-nee▶Kulani#16604 in the U.S.Kulani is a Hawaiian name built on lani ('heaven, sky, royal'), read as 'like heaven; the heavens' or 'chPronounced koo-LAH-nee▶Lilani#16611 in the U.S.A trimmed form of Leilani (Hawaiian, 'heavenly flowers; royal child'), keeping the -lani element ('heavenPronounced lih-LAH-nee▶Okalani#16995 in the U.S.From the Hawaiian, read as 'of the heavens; of the sky' (o + kalani, 'the heavens; the royal chief') — a Pronounced oh-kah-LAH-nee▶Roselani#17141 in the U.S.From the Hawaiian Roselani, joining rose (a borrowing of the English flower name) with lani ('heaven; skyPronounced roh-zuh-LAH-nee▶Laylahni#17310 in the U.S.A modern coinage echoing the Hawaiian Leilani, 'heavenly flowers; royal child,' woven with Layla. As spelPronounced lay-LAH-nee▶AilannieA modern name echoing the Hawaiian Ailani ('high chief') and Leilani ('heavenly flower; royal child'); noPronounced eye-LAH-nee▶AurlaniA modern coinage joining an Aur- opening with the Hawaiian element lani ('heaven; sky; royal; heavenly');Pronounced or-LAH-nee▶CarlaniA modern coinage joining a Car- opening with the -lani sound (Hawaiian 'sky; heaven; royal'). It has no sPronounced kar-LAH-nee▶HaylaniA modern blend of Hailey with the Hawaiian Leilani ('heavenly flower; royal child of heaven'). By that roPronounced hay-LAH-nee▶HeylaniA Hawaiian-styled name carrying lani ('heaven; sky; royal; heavenly'). As a full name its sense is layerePronounced hay-LAH-nee▶KoalaniKoalani is a Hawaiian-styled name pairing koa ('warrior; the koa tree; brave') with lani ('heaven, sky, rPronounced koh-ah-LAH-nee▶KolaniKolani is a Hawaiian-styled name featuring lani ('heaven, sky, royal'). Whether traditional or a modern HPronounced koh-LAH-nee▶SehlaniA modern coinage whose -lani ending echoes the Hawaiian lani ('heaven; sky; royal'); as a whole name its Pronounced seh-LAH-nee▶
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Frequently Asked
What does Leilani mean?
Leilani means 'heavenly flower,' joining lei (flower garland) with lani (heaven, royalty). It's currently the most popular name on this list, ranked #60 in the U.S. and still rising.