🔥Leilani
Leilani Origin and Meaning
Lyrical, lively and bold, Leilani is a name that feels fresh, floral, and summery. Sharing sounds with the popular Lillian, Layla and Luna, Leilani is a fairly recent addition to the US Top 100.
Derived from the Hawaiian elements of lei, meaning “flowers”, and lani, meaning “heavenly”, Leilani can literally be translated as “heavenly flower.”
Alternatively, it might be interpreted as “royal child” because flower garlands worn round the neck are associated with children in Hawaii, and because lani is linked to majesty, and therefore high-birth and royalty.
Leilani has been in and out of US Top 1000 since the 1930’s, with Bing Crosby’s song “Sweet Leilani” likely introducing it to many parents and inspiring their choices.
While it did remain in use across the 20th century, it wasn’t until the mid-90’s that Leilani really began to make a steady but serious rise up the charts. Influenced perhaps by the glamor of American model Leilani Bishop, by Miss Great Britain Leilani Dowding, or by the Basic Instinct actress Leilani Sarelle, the name was in the Top 500 by 2001, and the Top 100 by 2020.
Particularly popular in Hawaii, New Mexico, and South Carolina, Leilani is given to nearly 4000 babies in the US every year. Across the pond in the UK, it has seen sporadic usage, but recently rose to be within the Top 700.
Connected to nature and to a place in Hawaii; familiar and well-rooted but with plenty of flair and freshness; musical and princessy with solid sounds and spark, Leilani ticks lots of boxes. With its nickname potential and popular L initial, it may well continue to climb the charts.
Loving Leilani and want to learn more about Hawaiian names? This wonderful list is a great place to get started, with some highlights including Iolani, Kakalina, Lillinoe and Luana.
- Leilani Rank in US Top 1000
- Leilani Rank in Nameberry Top 1000
- Names Similar to Leilani
- Famous People Named Leilani
- Leilani in Pop Culture
Leilani Rank in US Top 1000
Leilani Rank in Nameberry Top 1000
Leilani Popularity
20 Names Similar to Leilani
Famous People Named Leilani
- Leilani Maaja MunterAmerican racing driver
- Leilani JonesAmerican actress
- Leilani SarelleAmerican actress
- Leilani Seamah MitchellAmerican,Australian basketball player
- Leilani BishopAmerican fashion model
- Leilani Kairing name of Patty Seymour, American pro wrestler
- LeiLani R. JonesMiss Washington USA 2007
- Leilani LeeaneAmerican adult model and actress
- Leilani DowdingEnglish model, television personality; Miss Great Britain 1998
Leilani in Pop Culture
- Leilanicharacter in video game "Animal Crossing: New Leaf"
- "Sweet Leilani" song written by Harry Owens, inspired by his daughter Leilani
- "Leilani" song by the Hoodoo Gurus