Liani

♀ Girl

Pronounced lee-AH-nee /liˈɑ.ni/High

Meaning: Modern name drawing on Liana — from French liane, the rainforest climbing vine — styled with the melodic -i endingMedium

In 30 seconds: A vine that climbed into the -ani sound family: Liani winds together Liana's rainforest greenery and Leilani's island music. Slender, flexible, flowering.

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Origin MediumAmerican, French

MeaningModern name drawing on Liana — from French liane, the rainforest climbing vine — styled with the melodic -i ending

U.S. rank (2025)#4130 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births35 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2007

Total births (all-time)≈ 907

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

Liani reads as a melodic styling of Liana, the name taken from French liane, the woody climbing vines that lace tropical forests — itself sometimes a short form of Juliana or Eliana. The -i finish tunes it to the wildly popular -ani family of Leilani, Milani, and Kalani.

The name appears sparsely in recent U.S. records, also spelled Lianni and Lyani. It remains rare — a name that sounds tropical twice over, by botany and by beach.

Did you know? Lianas — the vines behind Liana and Liani — are the rainforest's aerial highways, and Tarzan's preferred mode of transport.

Overall data confidence 72%

Behind the Name — Liana — root name

Variations

LianaLianniLeani

Nicknames

LiaAni

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Liani…

Liana— the vine name at the root

Leilani— the Hawaiian melody its ending echoes

Milani— a fellow modern -ani favorite

Lia— the short form tucked inside

Explore names like Liani

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By meaningEarth / Nature

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Liani mean?

Liani is a modern name drawing on Liana — from French liane, the tropical climbing vine — with the melodic -ani style ending.

How do you pronounce Liani?

It's said lee-AH-nee /liˈɑ.ni/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Liani a boy or girl name?

Liani is a girl's name.

How popular is Liani?

Liani is a rare, modern name in the U.S.