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Home › Baby Names Directory › Leelani

Leelani

♀ Girl

Pronounced lay-LAH-nee /leɪˈlɑː.ni/Medium

Meaning: Leelani is a phonetic respelling of Leilani, a Hawaiian name from lei ('flower garland, wreath') and lani ('heaven, sky, royal'). It is usually read as 'heavenly garland' or 'royal child'. The name belongs to Hawaiian culture, and we note it with respect.Medium

In 30 seconds: A respelling of the Hawaiian Leilani — 'heavenly garland', 'royal child' (said 'lay-LAH-nee').
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Origin MediumHawaiian
MeaningLeelani is a phonetic respelling of Leilani, a Hawaiian name from lei ('flower garland, wreath') and lani ('heaven, sky, royal'). It is usually read as 'heavenly garland' or 'royal child'. The name belongs to Hawaiian culture, and we note it with respect.
U.S. rank (2023)#16548 ↘ Falling
2023 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2021
Total births (all-time)≈ 42

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202120142023

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

Leelani is a respelling of Leilani, a Hawaiian name built from lei, the flower garland given in welcome and affection, and lani, 'heaven, sky, royal'. The name is commonly rendered 'heavenly flower' or 'royal child'. It belongs to Hawaiian language and culture, and families using it outside Hawaii should carry it with care and respect (said 'lay-LAH-nee').

It is very rare in the U.S. in this spelling, far behind Leilani. Warm, floral, and lyrical.

Did you know? In Hawaiian, a lei is a flower garland and lani means heaven or royalty — so Leilani is a heavenly garland. Leelani is a phonetic spelling of that name, and we note its Hawaiian roots with respect (said 'lay-LAH-nee').
Overall data confidence 55%
References — Leelani — Leilani respelling; Hawaiian lei + lani

Variations

LeilaniLailaniLaylani

Nicknames

LaniLee

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Leelani…

Leilani— the standard Hawaiian spelling
Alani— a like Hawaiian pick
Kalani— shares the lani ('heaven') element
Malia— another warm Hawaiian choice

Explore names like Leelani

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Leelani mean?

Leelani respells Leilani, Hawaiian for 'heavenly garland' or 'royal child' — from lei ('garland') and lani ('heaven, royal').

How do you pronounce Leelani?

It's said lay-LAH-nee /leɪˈlɑː.ni/ — three syllables, stress on the middle.

Is Leelani a boy or girl name?

Leelani is a girl's name.

How popular is Leelani?

Leelani is very rare in the U.S., far behind the Leilani spelling.

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