🔥Leilani

lay-LAAH-nee

Hawaiian

"heavenly flower"

Leilani Origin and Meaning

The name Leilani is a girl's name of Hawaiian origin meaning "heavenly flower".

Lyrical, lively and bold, Leilani is a name that feels fresh, floral, and summery. Sharing sounds with the popular Lillian, Layla and Luna, Leilani is a fairly recent addition to the US Top 100.

Derived from the Hawaiian elements of lei, meaning “flowers”, and lani, meaning “heavenly”, Leilani can literally be translated as “heavenly flower.”

Alternatively, it might be interpreted as “royal child” because flower garlands worn round the neck are associated with children in Hawaii, and because lani is linked to majesty, and therefore high-birth and royalty.

Leilani has been in and out of US Top 1000 since the 1930’s, with Bing Crosby’s song “Sweet Leilani” likely introducing it to many parents and inspiring their choices.

While it did remain in use across the 20th century, it wasn’t until the mid-90’s that Leilani really began to make a steady but serious rise up the charts. Influenced perhaps by the glamor of American model Leilani Bishop, by Miss Great Britain Leilani Dowding, or by the Basic Instinct actress Leilani Sarelle, the name was in the Top 500 by 2001, and the Top 100 by 2020.

Particularly popular in Hawaii, New Mexico, and South Carolina, Leilani is given to nearly 4000 babies in the US every year. Across the pond in the UK, it has seen sporadic usage, but recently rose to be within the Top 700.

Connected to nature and to a place in Hawaii; familiar and well-rooted but with plenty of flair and freshness; musical and princessy with solid sounds and spark, Leilani ticks lots of boxes. With its nickname potential and popular L initial, it may well continue to climb the charts.

Loving Leilani and want to learn more about Hawaiian names? This wonderful list is a great place to get started, with some highlights including Iolani, Kakalina, Lillinoe and Luana.

Leilani Rank in US Top 1000

# 59 in the US

Leilani Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

# 557 on Nameberry

Leilani Popularity

• 59 US 2022
• 557 Nameberry 2024
• 107 Future 2028
• 676 England 2021
• 209 Mexico 2021

20 Names Similar to Leilani

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

• Azalea
• Kailani
• Jasmine
• Camellia
• Dahlia
• Amaya
• Leila
• Liliana
• Lilac
• Alani
• Layla
• Hyacinth
• Acacia
• Lavender
• Lotus
• Calla
• Fleur
• Amaryllis
• Kalani
• Magnolia

Famous People Named Leilani

• Leilani Maaja Munter American racing driver
• Leilani Jones American actress
• Leilani Sarelle American actress
• Leilani Seamah Mitchell American,Australian basketball player
• Leilani Bishop American fashion model
• Leilani Kai ring name of Patty Seymour, American pro wrestler
• LeiLani R. Jones Miss Washington USA 2007
• Leilani Leeane American adult model and actress
• Leilani Dowding English model, television personality; Miss Great Britain 1998

Leilani in Pop Culture

• Leilani character in video game "Animal Crossing: New Leaf"
• "Sweet Leilani " song written by Harry Owens, inspired by his daughter Leilani
• "Leilani " song by the Hoodoo Gurus