Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Kahlani
GirlAmerican (modern coinage), Hawaiian· “variant of Kailani, 'sea and sky'”
- Meaning
- variant of Kailani, 'sea and sky'
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), Hawaiian
- Pronunciation
- kuh-LAH-nee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #875
- US babies 2025
- 306
- Best rank
- #835 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Kahlani
Kahlani is an American (modern coinage) and Hawaiian name that is usually said to mean “variant of Kailani, 'sea and sky'”.
Sea and sky is the usual explanation of Kailani, a Hawaiian name made from kai, meaning sea, and lani, meaning sky or heaven, and Kahlani is a modern American variant of it. Hawaiian names frequently combine natural elements in this poetic way. The spelling with Kah- reflects American naming creativity and gives the name a distinctive look. It is usually pronounced kah-LAH-nee. Kahlani has a bright, flowing sound and a lovely meaning that evokes wide horizons. Lani is a natural nickname.
Popularity over time
Kahlani first appears in US Social Security records in 2003. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 4 different years, starting in 2021. Its best national rank was #835 in 2024, the same year it reached its highest count of 325 babies. In 2025, 306 babies were named Kahlani, and it ranked #875 nationally. That is 1124% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #14,190 in 2010 and #875 in 2025. Of the 2,213 US girls named Kahlani since records began, 74% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 557 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Maddie, Honey, Elani, Elia, and Layan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kahlani ranked highest in South Carolina, Mississippi, and Illinois.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | #214 | 23 |
| Mississippi | #408 | 7 |
| Illinois | #503 | 20 |
| Georgia | #519 | 22 |
| Kansas | #544 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kahlani is usually pronounced kuh-LAH-nee, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with K and ends in “-ni”.
Middle names for Kahlani
A few middle names that flow with Kahlani: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kahlani
Similar names
Kehlani Girl
keh-LAH-nee
“often said to mean 'sea and sky'” · American (modern coinage)
#149
Ailani Girl
eye-LAH-nee
“often said to mean high chief” · Hawaiian
#168
Alani Girl
uh-LAH-nee
“orange tree” · Hawaiian
#161
Kailani Girl
ky-LAH-nee
“sea and sky” · Hawaiian
#253
Milani Girl
mih-LAH-nee
“uncertain; possibly from Milan” · American (modern coinage)
#288
Kalani Girl
kuh-LAH-nee
“the heavens” · Hawaiian
#387
Leilani Girl
lay-LAH-nee
“heavenly flowers” · Hawaiian
#60
Armani Unisex
ahr-MAH-nee
“from the Italian surname; army man” · Italian
#495
Amani Girl
ah-MAH-nee
“peace” · Swahili
#678
Harmoni Girl
HAHR-muh-nee
“harmony” · Greek
#1,000
Avani Girl
uh-VAH-nee
“earth” · Sanskrit
#806
Makayla Girl
muh-KAY-luh
“modern form of Michaela; who is like God?” · American (modern coinage)
#568
Lists that include Kahlani
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kahlani mean?
Kahlani is an American (modern coinage) and Hawaiian name that is usually said to mean “variant of Kailani, 'sea and sky'”.
What is the origin of the name Kahlani?
Kahlani has modern American and Hawaiian roots. Sea and sky is the usual explanation of Kailani, a Hawaiian name made from kai, meaning sea, and lani, meaning sky or heaven, and Kahlani is a modern American variant of it.
Is Kahlani a popular name?
Yes. Kahlani ranked #875 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kahlani a boy or girl name?
Kahlani is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kahlani?
Kahlani is usually pronounced kuh-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