Leni

German, Spanish, diminutive of Lena, Elena, or Helene

"shining torch"

Updated Thu Jan 23 2025

Leni Origin and Meaning

The name Leni is a girl's name of German origin meaning "shining torch".

An up-and-coming nickname-style name, hugely popular in Germany and on the rise in the UK, Leni is stylish but sweet. Chosen for her daughter by high-profile German supermodel Heidi Klum back in 2004, Leni with its concise spelling and European feel is also on the rise in the US, alongside Lennie, Lenny, Lennox, and Lennon.

Leni could be a diminutive form of a number of names, including Elena, Helen/e, Lenora, and Magdalena, and its similarity to trending Lainey may give it fresh appeal.

# 568 on Nameberry

Leni Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

Leni Popularity

568Nameberry2025
198Unique2023
428England2023
9Germany2024
140Switzerland2023
51Austria2023

20 Names Similar to Leni

These 20 names were selected by our users that were looking for other names like Leni.

Famous People Named Leni

Maria Leonor "Leni" Gerona Robredo
14th Vice President of the Philippines
Helene Bertha Amalie "Leni" Riefenstahl
German filmmaker
Leni Christina Elisabeth Björklund
Swedish politician
Leni Kokkes
Hanepen, Dutch fencer
Leni Larsen Kaurin
Norwegian footballer
Helene "Leni" Junker
German sprinter
Leni Parker
Canadian actress
Leni Stengel
German actress
Leni Harper
Scottish actress
Leni Lynn (born Angelica Ciofani)
American actress
Leni Stern (born Magdalena Thora)
German guitarist

Leni Alexander
German,Chilean composer
Ferrah Leni "Farrah" Fawcett
American actress
Helene "Leni" Samuel (b. 2004)
daughter of model Heidi Klum, biological daughter of Flavio Briatore; adopted daughter of singer Seal
Leni Cole (b. 2012)
daughter of footballer Mitchell Cole
Leni Rose Oshie (b. 2016)
daughter of ice hockey player TJ Oshie

Leni in Pop Culture

Leni Loud
character in Nickelodeon's "The Loud House"