What does Meilani mean and where does it come from?
'Meilani' is a Hawaiian name that combines 'me' (heaven) and 'lani' (sky or heaven), suggesting a connection to beauty and nature. It is quite popular in Hawaii and among those with ties to Hawaiian culture. The name reflects the serene and floral imagery associated with the Hawaiian islands.
Cultural significance
Meilani has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaiian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of heavenly flower.
Peak popularity
Reached #812 in 2018 — currently #845 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hawaiian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Meilani?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Meilani?
Meilani works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Meilani Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Meilani Rose
Floral · soft ending
Meilani Mae
Sweet · timeless
Meilani Claire
French influence · crisp
Meilani Jane
Literary · strong
Meilani Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Meilani right now?
Rising fast — up 107 spots — currently #845 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #845 | 320 | ▲ up 107 · +13% births |
| 2022 | #952 | 284 | ▲ up 142 · +25% births |
| 2021 | #1094 | 227 | ▼ down 209 · -24% births |
| 2020 | #885 | 299 | ▲ up 68 · +5% births |
| 2015 | #953 | 285 | ▲ up 4723 · +1088% births |
| 2010 | #5676 | 24 | ▼ down 1348 · -25% births |
| 2005 | #4328 | 32 | ▲ up 1783 · +78% births |
| 2000 | #6111 | 18 | ▲ up 4011 · +125% births |
| 1995 | #10122 | 8 | ▲ up 2237 · +33% births |
| 1990 | #12359 | 6 | — |
The story of Meilani
Meilani is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1982. With 2,297 total births recorded, Meilani remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #12359 in 1990 to #845 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Meilani in 2018:
Meilani by decade
Meilani peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 52 | |
| 1990s | 91 | |
| 2000s | 224 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,631 | |
| 2020s | 299 | |
💎With 2,297 total births, Meilani is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Meilani?
Common
MeiMeilMeilieMeilyAni
What names sound and feel like Meilani?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Meilani also consider these
Common questions about the name Meilani
What does the name Meilani mean?
Meilani means "heavenly flower" — a name rooted in Hawaiian 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 Meilani?
Meilani is currently ranked #845 as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Meilani have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Meilani?
Meilani originates from Hawaiian tradition. Hawaiian 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 Meilani?
Meilani is a three-syllable name pronounced M EY1 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 Meilani?
Meilani pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hawaiian heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.