Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Milani
GirlAmerican (modern coinage)· “uncertain; possibly from Milan”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly from Milan (origin disputed)
- Origin
- American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- mih-LAH-nee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #288
- US babies 2025
- 1,063
- Best rank
- #235 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Milani
Milani is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly from Milan”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) roots.
Milani is a modern name whose origin is not firmly established. It is often linked to the Italian surname Milani, meaning from Milan, and to the city of Milan itself. Some parents also associate it with the Hawaiian language, but a clear Hawaiian source is not established, so that connection is best treated with caution. In the United States Milani has become a contemporary choice for girls, admired for its lilting three-syllable sound and similarity to Mila and Melanie. Mila and Lani are natural nicknames.
Popularity over time
Milani first appears in US Social Security records in 1991. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 12 different years, starting in 2014. Its best national rank was #235 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,299 babies. In 2025, 1,063 babies were named Milani, and it ranked #288 nationally. That is 148% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #5,866 in 2000, #1,416 in 2010, and #288 in 2025. Of the 11,646 US girls named Milani since records began, 59% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 4,156 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lilith, Harlow, Kailani, Octavia, and Kamila.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Milani ranked highest in Rhode Island, Georgia, and Mississippi.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | #117 | 8 |
| Georgia | #128 | 77 |
| Mississippi | #176 | 15 |
| District of Columbia | #181 | 5 |
| Alabama | #188 | 24 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Milani is usually pronounced mih-LAH-nee, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-ni”.
Middle names for Milani
A few middle names that flow with Milani: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Milani
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
Kahlani Girl
kuh-LAH-nee
“variant of Kailani, 'sea and sky'” · American (modern coinage)
#875
Armani Unisex
ahr-MAH-nee
“from the Italian surname; army man” · Italian
#495
Alani Girl
uh-LAH-nee
“orange tree” · Hawaiian
#161
Kailani Girl
ky-LAH-nee
“sea and sky” · Hawaiian
#253
Amani Girl
ah-MAH-nee
“peace” · Swahili
#678
Kalani Girl
kuh-LAH-nee
“the heavens” · Hawaiian
#387
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
Leilani Girl
lay-LAH-nee
“heavenly flowers” · Hawaiian
#60
Lists that include Milani
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Milani mean?
Milani is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly from Milan”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) roots.
What is the origin of the name Milani?
Milani has modern American roots. Milani is a modern name whose origin is not firmly established.
Is Milani a popular name?
Yes. Milani ranked #288 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Milani a boy or girl name?
Milani is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Milani?
Milani is usually pronounced mih-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