Leilani is a name that feels like a gentle trade wind; it is musical, fragrant, and undeniably elegant. While many floral names feel delicate or fleeting, Leilani possesses a quiet strength derived from its royal Hawaiian roots. It captures the “liquid” vowel trend perfectly, offering a melodic sound that rolls effortlessly off the tongue. It strikes a rare balance: it feels exotic and vacation-like, yet it has become established enough in the mainland US to feel familiar and grounded.
This name carries a distinct sense of place and culture, evoking images of lush landscapes and intricate traditions. However, you do not need to be of Polynesian descent to appreciate the beauty of the moniker. It appeals to parents seeking a name that celebrates nature, beauty, and high status without sounding pretentious.
Verdict: Leilani is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the softness of popular choices like Layla or Lily but adds a layer of sophisticated, multicultural flair that sets it apart on the playground.
Leilani Overview
- Meaning: Leilani means “heavenly garland” and “royal child of heaven” in Hawaiian. Leilani can also mean “heavenly child” and “heavenly flowers.”
- Gender: Leilani is traditionally a girl’s name.
- Origin: Leilani combines the Hawaiian “lei” and “lani.” Leilani is connected to the brilliant flower garland, symbolizing royal status.
- Pronunciation: Leilani is pronounced “lay-LAH-nee” worldwide.
- Popularity: Leilani is popular in America, peaking in 2022 as the 59th most popular girl’s name. Leilani’s fame rose after Bing Crosby released the song “Sweet Leilani” in 1937.
- Nicknames: Ani, La, LaLa, Lane, Laney, Lani, Layla, Lei, Leia, Ni.
- Variations: Lalani, Laylanee, Laylani, Laylanie, Leighlanee, Leighlani, Leighlanie, Leilanee, Leylanee, Leylanie.
- Namesakes: Leilani Bishop, American model. Leilani Sen, English pop singer.
What Does Leilani Mean?
Leilani is a name rich with imagery and cultural depth. In the strictest sense, it translates to “heavenly garland” or “royal child.” However, to understand the true weight of the name, we must dissect the two Hawaiian elements that compose it.
The first element, Lei, refers to the famous Hawaiian garland of flowers, leaves, shells, or feathers. In Western culture, we view the lei as a welcome gift, but in Hawaiian tradition, it is a symbol of love, friendship, honor, and celebration. A child is often poetically referred to as a “lei” carried by parents, a beloved adornment to the family.
The second element, Lani, means “heaven,” “sky,” or “royal.” In ancient Hawaii, the concept of royalty and the divine were intrinsically linked; chiefs were considered direct descendants of the gods. Therefore, Leilani suggests a child who is held in the highest esteem, a “heavenly flower” bestowed upon the parents.
Where Does the Name Leilani Come From?
Leilani is of Polynesian origin, specifically hailing from the Hawaiian language. It follows the traditional Polynesian naming structure of combining nature elements with spiritual or status descriptors.
While the name has existed in the islands for centuries, its journey to the mainland United States and the broader English-speaking world is relatively modern. It remained a local treasure until the early 20th century. The name’s first major introduction to global pop culture occurred in the 1930s, during the “Tiki culture” craze in America, specifically through music that romanticized the island lifestyle.
How Popular is the Name Leilani?
Leilani is a fascinating case study of a “slow burn” success story. Unlike trendy names that spike and crash within a decade, Leilani has been climbing the charts steadily for nearly a century. It first entered the US Top 1000 in 1938, the year after Bing Crosby’s song “Sweet Leilani” won an Academy Award. For decades, it hovered as a rare, exotic choice.
However, around the turn of the millennium, the name began a rapid ascent. It broke into the Top 200 in 2010 and the Top 100 in 2020. Currently, Leilani is a certified hit. It is no longer considered an “unusual” foreign name but rather a modern American staple. It is particularly dominant in Hawaii (naturally) and Western states like California and Nevada, though its popularity is now nationwide.
How Do I Pronounce Leilani?
The beauty of Leilani lies in its melodic, vowel-heavy sound. The correct pronunciation is lay-LAH-nee.
Because Hawaiian languages pronounce every vowel distinctly, there is very little variation in how this is said. However, you may occasionally hear the first syllable rushed, sounding more like “leh-LAH-nee,” though the “Lay” sound is the standard.
Is Leilani a Boy or Girl Name?
Leilani is traditionally and predominantly a female name. The ending “-lani” is found in names for both genders (such as the male name Kailani), but the specific combination of Leilani has been established as feminine in both Hawaiian tradition and mainland usage. There is no significant trend of it being used for boys.
Variations of Leilani
While the classic spelling is preferred by name purists, several variations exist. Most of these are phonetic alterations created by American parents to ensure specific pronunciations or to make the name feel unique.
- Lalani (Hawaiian origin, simplified)
- Leilanie (Modern variation)
- Laylani (Phonetic spelling)
- Keylani (A modern rhyming variant)
- Lailani (Variant spelling)
Nicknames for Leilani
Leilani is a long, lyrical name, which makes it perfect for shortening. Beyond the standard options, there are several creative ways to nickname a Leilani.
- Lani: The most traditional Hawaiian short form.
- Lei: Short, sweet, and floral.
- Layla: A seamless crossover nickname.
- Lilo: A cute, spunky option made famous by Disney.
- Nani: Hawaiian for “beautiful” and a natural sound-alike.
- Lala: A playful, rhythmic option for toddlers.
- Elle: For a more sophisticated, adult feel.
Names Similar to Leilani
If you love the liquid sound or the tropical vibe of Leilani, these names offer a similar aesthetic:
- Aaliyah: Shares the flowing, vowel-heavy structure and soft ending.
- Kailani: A direct Hawaiian “cousin” to Leilani, meaning “sea and sky.”
- Alana: Another Hawaiian favorite that feels easy and breezy.
- Nalani: Means “the heavens” or “the chiefs.”
- Kalena: The Hawaiian cognate of Karen, meaning “pure.”
- Iolana: A soaring choice meaning “to soar like a hawk.”
- Luna: Shares the “L” start and celestial meaning.
- Moana: A recognizable Polynesian name meaning “ocean.”
Middle Names for Leilani
Because Leilani is a longer, four-syllable name ending in a vowel, it pairs best with middle names that are grounded and concise. Here are three distinct styles to help you choose.
Short & Sweet
These one-syllable names provide a rhythmic anchor to the flowing sounds of Leilani.
Nature Inspired
Lean into the “heavenly flower” meaning by pairing it with other earth-centric names.
Classic Elegance
Give this island name a royal court feel with these timeless pairings.
Sibling Names for Leilani
Creating a sibset for Leilani means finding names that match its soft consonants and exotic flair.
For a Brother
- Kai: The ultimate Hawaiian match, meaning “sea.”
- Keanu: Means “cool breeze” and shares the Polynesian origin.
- Noah: A soft, biblical classic that flows well with Leilani.
- Luca: Shares the liquid “L” sound and vowel ending.
- Koa: A strong Hawaiian name meaning “warrior.”
- Julian: Elegant and multi-syllabic like his sister’s name.
For a Sister
- Malia: The Hawaiian version of Mary; a perfect stylistic match.
- Aria: Musical and airy.
- Kalani: Visually similar and shares the “heavens” meaning.
- Isla: Scottish for “island,” keeping the tropical theme subtle.
- Maya: Short, sweet, and globally recognized.
- Sienna: Earthy and beautiful.
Famous People Named Leilani
- Leilani Bishop: An American model who gained fame in the 1990s and later founded a luxury skincare line.
- Leilani Mitchell: A star athlete in the WNBA who has played for teams like the New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury.
- Leilani Munter: A biology graduate turned race car driver and environmental activist, often called the “Vegan Hippie Chick” of racing.
- Leilani Dowding: A British model and TV personality, formerly Miss Great Britain.
- Leilani Jones: An American actress and singer, best known as the original voice of Chiffon in “Little Shop of Horrors.”
Leilani in Pop Culture
- Sweet Leilani: The Oscar-winning song by Bing Crosby (1937) that single-handedly introduced the name to the American mainstream.
- Leilani: A special character (a turtle) in the massively popular video game Animal Crossing: New Leaf.
- Princess Leilani: A character in the classic animated series Gargoyles.
FAQs About the Name Leilani
Is Leilani Popular?
Leilani is a popular option for girls in America, particularly in the South and West. Leilani became popular in 1937 after a popular film featured the song “Sweet Leilani” by Bing Crosby. Leilani has been among the top 450 names for girls since 2002 and a top 100 pick since 2020. You’re not likely to find Leilani outside of America, though.
What Does Leilani Mean Biblically?
Though Leilani isn’t distinctly biblical, many will find spiritual connections within the name. Leilani means “heavenly child,” reminding many of spiritual paradise. For Christians or those who value spirituality, heaven symbolizes hope and a reward for those who put their faith in Christ. Leilani’s heavenly interpretation makes it particularly popular among Christian parents.
What Middle Names Go With Leilani?
Leilani is an exotic forename, inspiring many parents to pair it with a classic middle name. If you choose this route, Louise, Eve, Claire, Katherine, Diana, and Kate are all great picks. If you’re looking for something on the wild side, try Jade, London, Naveah, Kai, or Blue. Leilani’s spiritual meaning makes it a perfect match for virtuous middle names such as Faith, Hope, Charity, and Grace.
Is Using The Name Leilani Cultural Appropriation?
This is a common question for non-Hawaiian parents. While the name is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, it is generally considered acceptable for non-Hawaiians to use it, provided they do so with respect for its origin and meaning. Unlike certain sacred titles, Leilani has crossed over into general usage in the US, much like the French “Belle” or the Hebrew “Sarah.”
Is Leilani A Flower Name?
Yes and no. While it is often categorized as a flower name, Leilani is more accurately a “botanical” name. The word “lei” refers to the garland made of flowers, rather than a specific bloom like Rose or Lily. It implies the artistry of the flowers woven together rather than the plant itself.
How Do You Spell Leilani In Hawaiian?
In the Hawaiian language, correct spelling often utilizes the okina (a glottal stop). However, Leilani is standard. The main difference in traditional writing is the use of the macron (kahakō) over vowels to indicate length, though Leilani does not typically require a kahakō. It is written simply as Leilani.
Is There A Male Version Of Leilani?
While there is no direct male equivalent that means “heavenly garland,” the name Lani is unisex and was historically used for men of high rank. Additionally, Keilani (Glorious Chief) and Kailani (Sea and Sky) are often used for boys or girls, though they lean feminine in modern usage. Kalani is perhaps the most common male alternative, meaning “The Heavens.”
Does Leilani Have Spanish Roots?
No, Leilani has no etymological roots in Spain. However, it is very popular among Hispanic families in the United States. This is likely because the phonetic pronunciation of Leilani (lay-LAH-nee) aligns perfectly with Spanish phonetics, making it easy for Spanish-speaking relatives to pronounce correctly without an accent barrier.
