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Leilani
Pronounced lay-LAH-nee /leɪˈlɑːni/High
Meaning: Heavenly flower; royal child of heaven — from Hawaiian lei (flower garland, child) + lani (heaven, sky, royalty)High
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
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
Leilani is a compound Hawaiian name: lei means flower garland or child (by extension, something precious and given with love), and lani means sky, heaven, and also royalty or the divine. In traditional Hawaiian culture, leis are sacred gifts and symbols of aloha, and lani designates the highest spiritual and social order. The name thus evokes a child who is both beautiful and divinely precious.
Leilani began appearing in U.S. given name charts in the mid-20th century, initially within Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. As Hawaiian culture gained broader American visibility, the name spread beyond those communities. It entered the U.S. top 200 in the 2000s and the top 100 by the 2020s, appreciated for its lyrical sound, exotic beauty, and joyful meaning.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Leilani MünterAmerican race car driver and environmental activist
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Leilani mean?
Leilani is a Hawaiian name meaning 'heavenly flower' or 'royal child of heaven,' from lei (flower garland) and lani (heaven, royalty).
How do you pronounce Leilani?
It's said lay-LAH-nee /leɪˈlɑːni/ — three syllables, stress on the second.
Is Leilani a boy or girl name?
Leilani is used exclusively as a girls' name.
How popular is Leilani?
Leilani has climbed into the U.S. top 100 girls' names by the 2020s after growing steadily from within Hawaiian communities.