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Nalani

♀ Girl

Pronounced nah-LAH-nee /nɑːˈlɑː.ni/High

Meaning: From Hawaiian na (the plural article) and lani (sky, heaven, heavenly), meaning the heavens or the serene skiesHigh

In 30 seconds: Nalani is a serene Hawaiian name meaning 'the heavens,' combining the plural article na with the divine lani — a melodic, sky-kissed name that carries the warmth of island culture.

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Origin HighHawaiian

MeaningFrom Hawaiian na (the plural article) and lani (sky, heaven, heavenly), meaning the heavens or the serene skies

U.S. rank (2025)#414 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births754 girls (0.05% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 7,948

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

Nalani is formed from the Hawaiian plural article na and the word lani (sky, heaven, or of high chiefly rank). The combination suggests the vast sky or the heavenly realm.

Nalani has spread beyond Hawaii in the 21st century as Hawaiian names gain appreciation across the United States. It offers a slightly different sound than the better-known Kalani.

Did you know? Nalani shares its root lani with several beloved Hawaiian names including Kalani, Kailani, and Leilani — forming a constellation of sky-and-heaven names in the Hawaiian naming tradition.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Nalani — Hawaiian etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

NailaniNa Lani

Nicknames

LaniNali

Famous Bearers

★Nālani Kanakaʻole (1946–2026)
Revered Hawaiian kumu hula and co-leader of Hālau o Kekuhi who spent nearly seven decades preserving the ʻai haʻa style of hula, earning recognition as a living cultural treasure of Hawaiʻi until her passing in January 2026.

If you like Nalani…

Kalani— closely related Hawaiian sky name sharing the lani element

Leilani— sister Hawaiian name also built on lani with the same heavenly grace

Kailani— shares the Hawaiian sky and sea imagery and the same melodic flow

Alani— Hawaiian name meaning orange tree with the same gentle three-syllable warmth

Explore names like Nalani

By themenature melodic hawaiian polynesian sky

By meaningPeace Sky / Heaven

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Nalani mean?

Nalani means the heavens in Hawaiian, from na (the plural article) and lani (sky, heaven).

How do you pronounce Nalani?

It is said nah-LAH-nee /nɑːˈlɑː.ni/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Nalani similar to Kalani?

Yes, both share the Hawaiian lani (heavenly) element; Nalani uses the plural article na while Kalani uses ka (the).

Is Nalani a popular name?

Nalani is a rising name in the U.S., gaining popularity alongside other Hawaiian names.