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Lani

OriginVariation of Elaine, English, Hawaiian
Meaning"bright, shining; sky, heavens, royal, majesty"
GenderBoy & girl
US Rank
Girls#1603

2025 SSA

BoysUnranked

Below 5 births

About Lani

Simple but substantial, Lani is surprisingly underused considering the popularity of Lainey, Leilani, Lana, and Kehlani. A multi-cultural choice with both Hawaiian and English origins, it is also used in the Philippines, possibly as a variation of the modern Laarni, or as a twist on the word langit meaning "skies, heaven", which aligns with the Hawaiian meaning too.

Voice actress Lani Minella is one notable bearer, while the singer Lorde (born Ella) has Lani as one of her middle names.

Lani is also given to boys.

Pronounced LAH-nee.

As of October 2026, Lani ranked #1603 for girls in US births in 2025 and #13351 for boys in US births in 2023 SSA, peaked at #877 for girls in 1947 and #2485 for boys in 1946.

World rankings

Lani for girls

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Lani on lists

Famous Lanis

  • Lani GrovesGirl

    South African musician

  • Leilani "Lani" HallGirl

    American singer and songwriter; wife of bandleader Herb Alpert

  • Lani LazzariGirl

    American teen entrepreneur of Simple Sugars

  • Lani MinellaGirl

    American voice actress

  • Kaye Lani Rae RafkoGirl

    Miss America 1988

Lani in pop culture

  • Lani McKenzieGirl

    character on TV's "Baywatch"

  • Lani HalukiGirl

    character from Lisa Mcmann's "Unwanteds" book series

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