Traditionally a masculine name in Malaysia, Jalani is borne by the Olympic Badminton player, Jalani Sidek.  Alternatively, it is a variation of the Arabic Jilani, notably associated with a 12th-century Persian Sufi scholar, popular among the African American community and in Somalia. Currently, this name is predominantly used for girls in the US, however, it is on the rise for boys too. 




Jalani

Three Syllable Names for Girls

6 Letter Girl Names

Names Ending in I for Girls

Traditionally a boys' name in Malaysia, a notable bearer being Olympian Jalani Sidek, Jalani's popularity for girls in the US is likely due to its similarity in sound to the likes of Leilani, Kalani, and Jamari. In this case, it could combine the ja suffix with Hawaiian lani to make a name that means "the sky", "the heavens" or "the supplanter of the heavens", if you take Ja as a nod to a James. Alternatively, it might be a spelling variation on the Arabic name Jilani, borne by a 12th century Persian Sufi scholar and is used in Somalia and among the African American community. 
 
Used on 225 girls in 2023 - along with 26 boys - it is a name on the rise.

Jalani

Jalani Origin and Meaning