Alternatives to Leilani
- 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.
- Mulani
Origin:
Sanskrit, Hindi; InventedDescription:
Mulani is a name that may come from various origin — it is a surname found throughout Indian in Muslim families, it may be a variation of the Chinese Mulan, or it may simply be an invented name following the trends of popular names such as Leilani, Kailani, and Meilani.
- Calani
Description:
Calani is a feminine name with diverse cultural roots. It may be derived from Hawaiian, where 'Kalani' means 'the heavens' or 'sky,' with this spelling variation offering a unique twist. The name could also have origins in Native American languages or be a modern creation inspired by popular name endings like '-ani.' Calani has a melodious quality with its alternating consonants and vowels, giving it a rhythmic flow. While not among common mainstream names, Calani appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet pronounceable. The name carries a sense of natural beauty and celestial connection, making it feel both contemporary and timeless. Its rarity means a child named Calani is unlikely to share her name with classmates.
- Talani
Description:
Talani is an exotic feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from Native American languages, where it's thought to mean 'meadow' or 'calm waters' in some interpretations. Others suggest possible Polynesian or African origins. The name has a melodic quality with its alternating consonants and vowels, and its distinctive sound has attracted parents seeking something unique yet pronounceable. Talani remains relatively uncommon in the United States and globally, making it a distinctive choice. Its increasing, though still rare, usage reflects modern parents' interest in multicultural names with positive natural associations and a gentle, flowing sound.
- Suhani
Description:
Suhani is a feminine name of Indian origin, primarily used in Hindu communities. It derives from Sanskrit roots and means 'pleasant,' 'cheerful,' or 'one with a beautiful smile.' The name conveys a sense of joy and positivity, making it a popular choice for parents seeking an auspicious name for their daughters. Suhani gained significant popularity in India during the early 2000s and continues to be well-received. The name appears in popular culture, including Bollywood songs and television characters, which has helped maintain its appeal. Suhani strikes a balance between traditional cultural roots and contemporary appeal, with a melodious quality that translates well across linguistic boundaries.
- Deilani
Description:
Deilani is a feminine name with Hawaiian influences, though it appears to be a modern creation or variation. It likely derives from names like 'Leilani' (heavenly flower) with the prefix 'De' added for uniqueness. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing vowels, giving it an exotic and contemporary feel. Deilani has gained modest attention in recent decades as parents seek distinctive names with multicultural appeal. Though not historically traditional, it fits within the trend of Hawaiian-inspired names that have become increasingly popular in the United States. The name suggests beauty, grace, and uniqueness, making it appealing to parents looking for something uncommon yet melodious.
- Hualani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"heavenly fruit"Description:
An intruiging and rare Hawaiian "-lani" name to add to the books if you are looking for an alternative to trendy Leilani and Kehlani.
- Zaylani
Description:
Zaylani is a contemporary name that appears to have emerged in the early 21st century. The etymology is not definitively established, but it may combine elements from multiple naming traditions. The 'Zay-' prefix recalls names like Zayn or Zayden (from Arabic origins meaning 'beauty' or 'adornment'), while the '-lani' suffix is found in Hawaiian names (where it can mean 'heaven' or 'sky'). This kind of cross-cultural blending is characteristic of modern naming practices. The name has gained modest usage in recent years, particularly in the United States. Zaylani exemplifies contemporary naming trends that favor distinctive sounds, unique spellings, and melodic qualities.
- 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.
- Ululani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"heavenly inspiration"Description:
An intruiging and rare Hawaiian "-lani" name to add to the books if you are looking for an alternative to trendy Leilani and Kehlani.
- Pualani
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"heavenly flower"Description:
Another name to add to the lineup of lanis, but the unfortunate first syllable will likely keep this one rare.
- Shoshoni
Origin:
Native AmericanMeaning:
"tall-growing grasses"Description:
Shoshoni along with Shoshone and Shoshonee is the name of a tribe indigenous to the western US as well as personal names for a baby girl. Lovely and evocative as they are, none was given to more than five baby girls in the US last year, making them exceedingly rare.
- 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.
- 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.
- Elenola
Description:
Elenola is a distinctive feminine name with likely roots in variations of Helen or Eleanor. The addition of the '-ola' suffix creates a melodic quality that distinguishes it from more common alternatives. While relatively rare, Elenola carries an elegant, vintage charm. The name may be considered a creative combination of elements from Elena and traditional feminine diminutive endings. Though not widely used in mainstream culture, Elenola might appeal to parents seeking a unique name with a classic feel and pleasant phonetics. Its rarity means a child named Elenola would likely have a distinctive identity without difficult pronunciation challenges.
- 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."
- Raelani
Description:
Raelani is a feminine name with Hawaiian influences, though it appears to be a modern creation rather than a traditional Hawaiian name. It likely combines elements like 'Rae' (possibly from Rachel, meaning 'ewe' or as a ray of sunshine) with the Hawaiian suffix 'lani' meaning 'heaven' or 'sky.' The melodic three-syllable rhythm creates a flowing, graceful sound. Raelani has gained modest popularity in the United States since the 2000s, particularly among parents drawn to Hawaiian-inspired names with their tropical associations and gentle sounds. The name suggests a sunny, heavenly quality while maintaining uniqueness. Similar to popular names like Kailani or Leilani, Raelani offers a contemporary option with exotic appeal while being relatively easy for English speakers to pronounce.
- Sidanni
Description:
Sidanni is an uncommon feminine name with uncertain etymological origins. It may be a modern invented name combining elements from various sources or potentially derived from cultural naming traditions not widely documented. The melodic quality of Sidanni, with its flowing syllables and balanced sound, gives it an appealing rhythmic quality. This distinctive name remains extremely rare in usage statistics, making it an option for parents seeking true uniqueness. The name has a contemporary feel while its 'i' ending gives it a feminine quality common in many naming traditions. Sidanni's unusual nature means it carries few preconceptions, allowing individuals to define its meaning through their own personality and life experiences.
- Lynlee
Origin:
Modern invented nameMeaning:
"lake + meadow"Description:
Lynlee — in which two popular suffixes meet to become one trendy name — has been rising up the US stats since 2000s. While it has yet to reach the popularity levels of Everly or Raelyn, and while it is still lagging behind more recently popular choices, Lakelynn and Whitley, it was given to 125 girls in 2023, twice the number born in 2010.
- Fiordenni
Description:
Fiordenni is a lyrical feminine name with likely Italian influences. The name appears to be a creative variation combining elements of 'fiore' (flower in Italian) with possible Nordic or invented suffixes. While relatively uncommon, Fiordenni carries an artistic, melodic quality that gives it a distinctive charm. The name may appeal to parents seeking something unique with European flair. Fiordenni remains rare in most English-speaking countries, making it a standout choice for those who prefer distinctive names that retain a feminine elegance. The name's unusual nature means children with this name will likely have a name that's truly their own.