Alternatives to Leilani
- Jeilani
Description:
Jeilani is a feminine name with likely multicultural origins, possibly representing a modern variation blending elements from Arabic, Hawaiian, or other linguistic traditions. The name may be related to the Hawaiian name Keilani, meaning "heavenly glory" or "royal child of heaven," with the initial consonant modified. Alternatively, it could derive from Arabic origins with different phonetic spelling. Jeilani has a melodic, flowing quality with its alternating vowels and consonants, creating a name that sounds both exotic and accessible. Though relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, Jeilani appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with an international feel. The name's musical quality and contemporary sound fit well with current naming trends favoring lyrical, vowel-rich names. Jeilani offers uniqueness while maintaining an intuitive pronunciation that works across diverse cultural contexts.
- Kahlani
Origin:
Spelling variation of Kehlani, HawaiianMeaning:
"sea and sky"Description:
Hawaiian names have officially made their way to the mainland, with Leilani, Kehlani, Alani, Kailani, and Kaylani all ranking within the Top 300. Now Kahlani — one of several pseudo-Hawaiian names popping up across the country — has entered the US Top 1000 in 2023.
- Keilani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"heaven, sky, glorious chief"Description:
Keilani is among the fastest rising girls' names in some US states, a once-unusual name perhaps popularized by its similarity to both Leilani and Kayla. Its rhythmic appeal cannot be denied.
- Keylianis
Origin:
Puerto Rican, meaning unknownDescription:
Along with Keilianys, Keylianis is a name found only in Puerto Rico. They may be variations of the Hawaiian name Keilani, meaning "heaven" or "glorious chief."
- Khalani
Origin:
Variation of Kailani, HawaiianMeaning:
"sea and sky"Description:
Khalani debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2020 thanks to the influence of Khalani Simon — known as Lani Love — a child model and budding star.
- Kalaki
- Lalage
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"to chatter"Description:
An interesting name despite the pronunciation challenge. It has literary roots, both in the classical poetry of Horace, and as a character in John Fowles' The French Lieutenant's Woman. Appealing nicknames are Lalla and Lally.
- Lana
Origin:
English diminutive of AlanaMeaning:
"rock or handsome"Description:
Popularized in the 1940s by Lana (born Judy) Turner, today Lana is synonymous with American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. Although it has been rising steadily since the early 2000s, Lana still sits in the popularity "sweet spot" – familiar, but not overused. Simple, sleek and seamlessly international, it makes a great choice.
- Laney
Origin:
Diminutive of ElaineMeaning:
"bright shining one"Description:
A kind of old-fashioned nickname name that's enjoying some fresh life thanks to trendy brother Lane. Lainie is a more old-school spelling.
- Lavender
Origin:
English color and flower nameMeaning:
"purple flower"Description:
Lavender lags far behind sweet-smelling purple-hued sister names Violet and Lila, but is starting to get some enthusiastic attention from cutting-edge namers along with other adventurous nature names like Clementine and Marigold. In fact, 2024 saw it enter the US Top 1000 for the first time, when it was given to nearly 260 girls.
- Layla
Origin:
Variation of Leila, ArabicMeaning:
"night"Description:
A lovely musical name (remember the old Eric Clapton-Derek & the Dominos song?), Layla's seen a significant surge in popularity, partly partly all names with a double L are stylish, and partly because all the forms of the name push it into the Top 15 for girls.
- Leela
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"play"Description:
While Leela may be a spelling variation of Lila or Leila, it's also an Indian name in its own right with a playful meaning. And unlike it's more popular Western sisters, Leela does not create pronunciation confusion.
- Lehua
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"flower of the ohia; warrior; sweetheart"Description:
This beautiful Hawaiian girl's name has a lot of potential to cross over to the mainland as Leilani and similar names enjoy their current spotlight.
- Leila
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"night"Description:
Leila was popularized in the West by the poet Byron, who used it in his poem Don Juan for a ten-year-old Turkish girl. Leila also appears as a fairy in the Gilbert & Sullivan comic opera Iolanthe.
- Leimomi
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"pearl necklace; pearl child"Description:
Leimomi was a common girl name in Hawaii a century ago, so according to the 100-Year Rule, it is due to be refreshed and revived. And what great timing, with the current popularity of the similar name Leilani.
- Leinani
Origin:
Hawaiian. "beautiful flowers"Meaning:
"beautiful flowers"Description:
Leinani was a popular girl name in Hawaii during the first half of the 20th century. Today it could make a good update to Leilani.
- Lelia
Origin:
Italian form of Laelia, meaning unknownDescription:
A rare and delicate choice, Lelia is a modern variation of an ancient Roman family name. It came to Britain in the mid-nineteenth century, following the publication of George Sand's popular romantic novel titled Lelia in 1833.
- Lilac
Origin:
English, from PersianMeaning:
"bluish or lilac"Description:
Could Lilac be the next Lila or Lily or Violet? It certainly has a lot going for it--those lilting double 'l's, the fabulous fragrance it exudes, and the fact that it's a color name as well, providing a ready made nursery theme. In addition, the lilac is symbolic of first love.
- Liliana
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variations of LilianMeaning:
"lily, a flower"Description:
Frilly and fit for a princess, but with plenty of spark and flair, Liliana holds international appeal and a modern glamor. Joining Lily and Lillian in the US Top 100 for the first time in 2022, Liliana is a fast-rising choice for girls.
- Lilinoe
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"fine mist"Description:
A beautiful Hawaiian mythological name — Lilinoe is the goddess of the rain.