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Mahani

♀ Girl

Pronounced muh-HAH-nee /məˈhɑ.ni/Medium

Meaning: Mahani turns up in more than one tradition — as a Polynesian and Maori-adjacent name, and as a Persian place-derived name (Mahan, in Kerman province) — and also reads as a Mah- coinage in American use. No single route accounts for it, so we mark the origin uncertain.Low

In 30 seconds: Warm and hard to pin down: Mahani appears in Polynesian and Persian naming alike (said 'muh-HAH-nee'). Routes uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowUnknown

MeaningMahani turns up in more than one tradition — as a Polynesian and Maori-adjacent name, and as a Persian place-derived name (Mahan, in Kerman province) — and also reads as a Mah- coinage in American use. No single route accounts for it, so we mark the origin uncertain.

U.S. rank (2024)#14525 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 36

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

Mahani is a name with more than one plausible home: it appears in Polynesian naming, in Persian usage tied to the town of Mahan, and as a modern Mah- shaping in the U.S. Because no single route can be confirmed, we mark the origin uncertain and say so plainly (said 'muh-HAH-nee').

It is very rare in the U.S. Flowing, warm, and unplaceable.

Did you know? Some names arrive at the same sound from opposite ends of the map. Mahani is one of them, which is exactly why we mark its route uncertain rather than pick a story.

Overall data confidence 30%

References — Mahani — Multiple possible routes (Polynesian; Persian Mahan); origin uncertain

Variations

MahanyMahanniMahina

Nicknames

MahHani

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Mahani…

Mahina— a like Polynesian-sounding cousin

Leilani— a like flowing island pick

Amani— a like -ani ending, peaceful sound

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Mahani mean?

Mahani appears in Polynesian and Persian naming with different roots; no single meaning can be confirmed, and we mark it uncertain.

How do you pronounce Mahani?

It's said muh-HAH-nee /məˈhɑ.ni/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Mahani a boy or girl name?

Mahani is used here as a girl's name.

How popular is Mahani?

Mahani is a very rare name in the U.S.