What does Leilani mean and where does it come from?
Leilani originates from Hawaii, combining 'lei' meaning 'flower' and 'lani' meaning 'heaven'. The name reflects beauty and nature, quite common in Hawaiian naming practices, and symbolizes purity and serenity. Leilani has become popular in the United States, especially among those interested in Hawa
Cultural significance
Leilani has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaii-speaking communities, where it reflects values of heavenly flower.
Peak popularity
Reached #92 in 2020 — currently #61 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hawaii-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Leilani?
Leilani works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Leilani Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Leilani Rose
Floral · soft ending
Leilani Mae
Sweet · timeless
Leilani Claire
French influence · crisp
Leilani Jane
Literary · strong
Leilani Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Leilani right now?
Holding steady — currently #61 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #61 | 3,555 | ▼ down 2 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #59 | 3,866 | ▲ up 8 · +11% births |
| 2021 | #67 | 3,485 | ▲ up 25 · +22% births |
| 2020 | #92 | 2,860 | ▲ up 86 · +59% births |
| 2015 | #178 | 1,800 | ▲ up 90 · +47% births |
| 2010 | #268 | 1,225 | ▲ up 67 · +29% births |
| 2005 | #335 | 953 | ▲ up 186 · +89% births |
| 2000 | #521 | 505 | ▲ up 560 · +206% births |
| 1995 | #1081 | 165 | ▲ up 33 · +5% births |
| 1990 | #1114 | 157 | ▼ down 124 · +2% births |
| 1985 | #990 | 154 | ▼ down 247 · -31% births |
| 1980 | #743 | 223 | ▲ up 327 · +103% births |
| 1975 | #1070 | 110 | ▼ down 68 · -12% births |
| 1970 | #1002 | 125 | ▲ up 90 · +36% births |
| 1965 | #1092 | 92 | — |
The story of Leilani
Leilani entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. Its peak popularity was #92 in 2020. A total of 38,317 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3340 in 1925 to #61 in 2023. Leilani is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Leilani in 2020:
Leilani by decade
Leilani peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 11 | |
| 1920s | 56 | |
| 1930s | 345 | |
| 1940s | 810 | |
| 1950s | 713 | |
| 1960s | 1,009 | |
| 1970s | 1,314 | |
| 1980s | 1,654 | |
| 1990s | 2,166 | |
| 2000s | 9,277 | |
| 2010s ★ | 18,102 | |
| 2020s | 2,860 | |
What are good nicknames for Leilani?
Common
LeiLeilLeilieLeilyAni
What names sound and feel like Leilani?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leilani also consider these
Common questions about the name Leilani
What does the name Leilani mean?
Leilani means "Heavenly flower" — a name rooted in Hawaii tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Leilani?
Leilani is currently ranked #61 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Leilani have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Leilani?
Leilani originates from Hawaii tradition. Hawaii names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Leilani?
Leilani is a three-syllable name pronounced L AH0 L AA1 N IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Leilani?
Leilani pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hawaii heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.