Leni

German or Spanish diminutive of Lena, Elena, or Helen, Greek

"shining torch"

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.

Leni Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

# 362 on Nameberry

Popularity of the name Leni

• 362 Nameberry 2025
• 243 Unique 2024
• 428 England 2023
• 9 Germany 2024
• 140 Switzerland 2023
• 51 Austria 2023

20 Names Similar to Leni

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

• Vada
• Ellery
• Elouise
• Jovie
• Chandler
• Britton
• Keeley
• Wynn
• Ellison
• Emme
• Nola
• Grier
• Keely
• Bryn
• Merrit
• Marlow
• Marin
• Darby
• Evan
• Maisy

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

The name Leni in Pop Culture

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