Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Leilani
GirlHawaiian· “heavenly flowers”
- Meaning
- heavenly flowers
- Origin
- Hawaiian
- Pronunciation
- lay-LAH-nee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #60
- US babies 2025
- 3,792
- Best rank
- #59 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Leilani
Leilani is a Hawaiian name that is usually said to mean “heavenly flowers”.
Leilani is a Hawaiian name made from lei, which can mean "flower garland" or, figuratively, "child," and lani, which means "heaven," "sky" or "royal." It is often translated as "heavenly flowers" or "royal child." The name became known on the mainland through the song "Sweet Leilani," which won an Academy Award for Bing Crosby's film Waikiki Wedding. Leilani has become popular across the United States, valued for its musical rhythm and island warmth. It is soft and flowing, and Lani and Lei are natural nicknames. The name carries a strong sense of place and beauty.
Popularity over time
Leilani first appears in US Social Security records in 1917. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 58 different years, starting in 1937. Its best national rank was #59 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 3,868 babies. In 2025, 3,792 babies were named Leilani, and it ranked #60 nationally. That is 110% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,075 in 1950, #746 in 1980, #523 in 2000, #268 in 2010, and #60 in 2025. Of the 56,466 US girls named Leilani since records began, 37% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 18,160 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Athena, Emilia, Raelynn, Willow, and Eliza.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Leilani ranked highest in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #15 | 37 |
| Texas | #24 | 667 |
| Arizona | #35 | 120 |
| Nevada | #36 | 44 |
| California | #37 | 575 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Leilani is usually pronounced lay-LAH-nee, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with L and ends in “-ni”.
Middle names for Leilani
A few middle names that flow with Leilani: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Leilani
Similar names
Alani Girl
uh-LAH-nee
“orange tree” · Hawaiian
#161
Kehlani Girl
keh-LAH-nee
“often said to mean 'sea and sky'” · American (modern coinage)
#149
Kailani Girl
ky-LAH-nee
“sea and sky” · Hawaiian
#253
Kalani Girl
kuh-LAH-nee
“the heavens” · Hawaiian
#387
Ailani Girl
eye-LAH-nee
“often said to mean high chief” · Hawaiian
#168
Avani Girl
uh-VAH-nee
“earth” · Sanskrit
#806
Kahlani Girl
kuh-LAH-nee
“variant of Kailani, 'sea and sky'” · American (modern coinage)
#875
Juniper Girl
JOO-nih-pur
“juniper shrub” · English
#100
Armani Unisex
ahr-MAH-nee
“from the Italian surname; army man” · Italian
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Milani Girl
mih-LAH-nee
“uncertain; possibly from Milan” · American (modern coinage)
#288
Amani Girl
ah-MAH-nee
“peace” · Swahili
#678
Harmoni Girl
HAHR-muh-nee
“harmony” · Greek
#1,000
Lists that include Leilani
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leilani mean?
Leilani is a Hawaiian name that is usually said to mean “heavenly flowers”.
What is the origin of the name Leilani?
Leilani has Hawaiian roots. Leilani is a Hawaiian name made from lei, which can mean "flower garland" or, figuratively, "child," and lani, which means "heaven," "sky" or "royal." It is often translated as "heavenly flowers" or "royal child." The name became known on the mainland through the song "Sweet Leilani," which won an Academy Award for Bing Crosby's film Waikiki Wedding.
Is Leilani a popular name?
Yes. Leilani ranked #60 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Leilani a boy or girl name?
Leilani is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Leilani?
Leilani is usually pronounced lay-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