Lilani
Meaning of Lilani
Lilani, pronounced lee-LAH-nee in Hawaiian and commonly lih-LAH-nee in mainland English, is viewed as a streamlined cousin of the Hawaiian favorite Leilani, blending lei “flower garland” with lani “heaven, sky, royal” to suggest a “heavenly garland” or “royal child.” The name’s island imagery—plumeria leis, cobalt seas, trade-wind lullabies—travels well: its fluid vowels suit Spanish and Portuguese ears, inviting affectionate nicknames such as Lila or Lani and slipping easily into Latin-American naming rhythms. In U.S. Social Security data Lilani remains a rare sight, appearing since 2009 with just five to seven newborns most years and a recent rank in the mid-900s, a profile that gives parents the cachet of exclusivity without straying into the unfamiliar. With its celestial meaning, breezy sound, and cross-cultural grace, Lilani offers an understated yet vivid alternative for families seeking a name that feels both uncommon and warmly evocative.
Pronunciation
Hawaiian
- Pronunced as lee-LAH-nee (/liːˈlɑːni/)
English
- Pronunced as lih-LAH-nee (/lɪˈlɑːni/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
