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Lelani

♀ Girl

Pronounced leh-LAH-nee /lɛˈlɑːni/High

Meaning: Variant spelling of Leilani, a Hawaiian name from 'lei' (garland, flower wreath, child) and 'lani' (heaven, sky, royalty), meaning 'heavenly flower' or 'royal child of heaven.'High

In 30 seconds: A blooming Hawaiian name meaning 'heavenly flower,' Lelani is a warm variant of Leilani evoking Polynesian paradise. Melodic and sun-drenched, it is perfect for parents who love the spirit of aloha.

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Origin HighHawaiian

MeaningVariant spelling of Leilani, a Hawaiian name from 'lei' (garland, flower wreath, child) and 'lani' (heaven, sky, royalty), meaning 'heavenly flower' or 'royal child of heaven.'

U.S. rank (2025)#3952 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births37 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,010

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

Lelani is an alternate spelling of the Hawaiian name Leilani, composed of lei meaning 'garland, wreath of flowers, or beloved child' and lani meaning 'sky, heaven, or royalty.' In Hawaiian tradition, the lei is a symbol of affection, welcome, and celebration, while lani connotes both the physical sky and the elevated status of chiefs. Together they create a name meaning 'heavenly flower' or 'child of heaven,' carrying deep cultural beauty.

Leilani and its variant Lelani have been used in Hawaii for generations and began spreading to the continental United States in the 20th century. Leilani entered the U.S. Social Security top 1000 in the mid-20th century and has grown steadily. The Lelani spelling, dropping the medial i, appears as a simplified phonetic form. The name fits naturally into the growing family of Hawaiian and Polynesian names popular among American parents.

Did you know? In Hawaiian culture, a lei is not merely a decorative garland — it is a sacred gift of love and respect, woven with flowers or shells. Names like Leilani and Lelani carry this tradition of beauty and honour in every syllable.

Overall data confidence 86%

Behind the Name — Leilani — Hawaiian etymology of lei and laniU.S. Social Security Administration — usage data for Leilani and variants

Variations

LeilaniLeilanieLaelani

Nicknames

LaniLeleLei

Famous Bearers

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If you like Lelani…

Leilani— the standard spelling of the same Hawaiian name with the same meaning

Kalani— Hawaiian name sharing the lani 'heavenly royalty' element

Ailani— Hawaiian name also built on the ali'i/lani royalty concept

Kailani— Hawaiian compound name combining sea and sky with the same lani root

Explore names like Lelani

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By meaningSky / Heaven Flower Royal / Noble

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Lelani mean?

Lelani means 'heavenly flower' or 'royal child of heaven,' from Hawaiian lei (garland/child) and lani (sky/heaven/royalty).

How do you pronounce Lelani?

Lelani is pronounced leh-LAH-nee /lɛˈlɑːni/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Lelani a boy or girl name?

Lelani is used exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Lelani?

Lelani is a rare spelling variant; the standard form Leilani has been growing in popularity in the United States.