What does Leina mean and where does it come from?
Leina is a name of Hawaiian origin meaning 'to cause to be glad' or 'gladness.' The name has also been interpreted to mean 'light' or 'shining light' in other cultures. It has been a popular name in Hawaii, reflecting the nature and landscape of the islands. Variations of the name exist, and it has
Cultural significance
Leina has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaii-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gladness.
Peak popularity
Reached #3838 in 2020 — currently #4015 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hawaii-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Leina?
Leina works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Leina Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Leina Rose
Floral · soft ending
Leina Mae
Sweet · timeless
Leina Claire
French influence · crisp
Leina Jane
Literary · strong
Leina Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Leina right now?
Rising fast — up 1549 spots — currently #4015 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #4015 | 37 | ▲ up 1549 · +61% births |
| 2022 | #5564 | 23 | ▼ down 779 · -18% births |
| 2021 | #4785 | 28 | ▼ down 947 · -24% births |
| 2020 | #3838 | 37 | ▲ up 1182 · +37% births |
| 2015 | #5020 | 27 | ▲ up 627 · +13% births |
| 2010 | #5647 | 24 | ▲ up 223 · +14% births |
| 2005 | #5870 | 21 | ▲ up 9719 · +320% births |
| 2000 | #15589 | 5 | ▼ down 6411 |
| 1970 | #9178 | 5 | — |
The story of Leina
Leina is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. With 647 total births recorded, Leina remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9178 in 1970 to #4015 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Leina in 2020:
Leina by decade
Leina peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 37 | |
| 1980s | 55 | |
| 1990s | 62 | |
| 2000s | 196 | |
| 2010s ★ | 260 | |
| 2020s | 37 | |
💎Leina has only 647 total recorded births since 1970 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Leina?
What names sound and feel like Leina?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Leina also consider these
Common questions about the name Leina
What does the name Leina mean?
Leina means "gladness" — 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 Leina?
Leina is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Leina have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Leina?
Leina 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 Leina?
Leina is a three-syllable name pronounced L AH0 IY1 N AH0. 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 Leina?
Leina 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.