Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Jelani
UnisexSwahili· “mighty”
- Meaning
- mighty
- Origin
- Swahili
- Pronunciation
- juh-LAH-nee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #2,156
- US babies 2025
- 67
- Best rank
- #935 (1998)
- Peak year
- 1998
Meaning and origin of Jelani
Jelani is a Swahili name that is usually said to mean “mighty”.
Jelani is usually described as a Swahili name meaning "mighty" or "strong." It has become especially popular among African American families since the late twentieth century, as part of a broader movement to choose names with African roots. Jelani is used mainly for boys, though it has some use for girls as well. The name has a smooth, rhythmic sound with stress on the middle syllable. Its strong meaning and connection to East African language and culture give it both depth and warmth, and Lani is a gentle nickname.
Popularity over time
Jelani first appears in US Social Security records in 1973. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 1 different years, starting in 1998. Its best national rank was #935 in 1998, the same year it reached its highest count of 151 babies. In 2025, 67 babies were named Jelani, and it ranked #2,156 nationally. That is 26% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,073 in 1980, #1,021 in 2000, #1,580 in 2010, and #2,156 in 2025. Of the 4,718 US boys named Jelani since records began, 25% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 1,101 babies. Since 2010, 1,521 more have been named Jelani.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Shaye, Dyllan, Cameryn, Destine, and Dru.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jelani ranked highest in Georgia, Florida, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | #1035 | 8 |
| Florida | #1723 | 6 |
| New York | #1880 | 5 |
| California | #2322 | 6 |
| Texas | #2747 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Jelani is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 26% of US babies named Jelani were girls and 74% were boys.
Jelani is usually pronounced juh-LAH-nee, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with J and ends in “-ni”.
Middle names for Jelani
A few middle names that flow with Jelani: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jelani
Similar names
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Lists that include Jelani
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jelani mean?
Jelani is a Swahili name that is usually said to mean “mighty”.
What is the origin of the name Jelani?
Jelani has Swahili roots. Jelani is usually described as a Swahili name meaning "mighty" or "strong." It has become especially popular among African American families since the late twentieth century, as part of a broader movement to choose names with African roots.
Is Jelani a popular name?
Not especially. Jelani ranked #2,156 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Jelani a boy or girl name?
Jelani is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 26% of US babies named Jelani were girls and 74% were boys.
How do you pronounce Jelani?
Jelani is usually pronounced juh-LAH-nee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings