Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Kalani

Kalani

♂ Boy

Pronounced kah-LAH-nee /kɑˈlɑ.ni/High

Meaning: The heavens, the sky; royal, chiefly — from Hawaiian ka lani, an element of many Hawaiian royal namesHigh

In 30 seconds: The sky with a definite article: Kalani is Hawaiian for 'the heavens' — and, by royal extension, 'the chief'. Hawaiian kings stacked it into their names like crowns.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighHawaiian
MeaningThe heavens, the sky; royal, chiefly — from Hawaiian ka lani, an element of many Hawaiian royal names
U.S. rank (2025)#4792 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births21 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2009
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,237

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200919592025

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

Kalani joins ka, 'the', with lani, 'sky, heavens, royal' — an element woven through Hawaiian royalty from Kamehameha's court to Liliʻuokalani. As a standalone given name it serves both sexes in Hawaii, with mainland use leaning by era.

For boys it carries surf-line ease and chiefly depth; volleyball and surf rosters keep it visible. Mainland use is uncommon — three open syllables of sky.

Did you know? Hawaiian royal names overflow with lani — King Kalākaua's full name alone contains it, and Queen Liliʻuokalani wears it twice over — sky and sovereignty being one idea.
Overall data confidence 88%
Hawaiian dictionary (Pukui & Elbert) — lani — element meaning

Variations

KalanieKealaniLani

Nicknames

KalLani

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kalani…

Keanu— the famous Hawaiian 'cool breeze' companion
Kainoa— a fellow beloved Hawaiian boys' choice
Leilani— the sister heavens-name for girls
Makoa— another strong Hawaiian classic

Explore names like Kalani

By themehawaiianroyalsky
By meaningSky / HeavenRoyal / NobleLeader

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kalani mean?

Kalani is Hawaiian for 'the heavens' — and by royal association, 'the chief' or 'royal one'.

How do you pronounce Kalani?

It's said kah-LAH-nee /kɑˈlɑ.ni/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Kalani a boy or girl name?

Kalani is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Kalani?

Kalani is uncommon on the mainland and a heritage staple in Hawaii.

💬 Ask Nia