Find out how popular the first name Ailani has been for the last 28 years (from 1996 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ailani by gender

Based on the last 28 years of data, Ailani is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 504 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ailani.

The history of the first name Ailani

The name Ailani has its origins in the Hawaiian language and culture, with roots dating back to the ancient Polynesian settlers of the Hawaiian Islands. It is derived from the Hawaiian words "ai," meaning "to eat or consume," and "lani," meaning "heaven" or "sky."

In Hawaiian mythology, "Lani" was the name given to the celestial realm, and the name Ailani was often associated with the concept of heavenly nourishment or sustenance. It was believed that the gods provided bountiful gifts from the sky, sustaining the people of the islands.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ailani can be found in the Kumulipo, an ancient Hawaiian chant that tells the story of the creation of the world. In this chant, Ailani is mentioned as a spiritual entity, representing the connection between the earthly and celestial realms.

Throughout Hawaiian history, the name Ailani has been bestowed upon individuals of both genders, though it has gained more popularity as a feminine name in recent times. One notable historical figure who bore this name was Ailani Kalakaua, a Hawaiian noble and chieftess who lived in the late 18th century and was known for her strong leadership and advocacy for traditional Hawaiian practices.

Another individual of note was Ailani Keawe, a renowned Hawaiian poet and storyteller from the early 19th century. Her works played a significant role in preserving the oral traditions and cultural heritage of the Hawaiian people.

In the realm of Hawaiian royalty, Ailani Kekuanaoa was a prominent figure in the mid-19th century. She was a member of the Hawaiian nobility and served as a trusted advisor to King Kamehameha III.

Moving forward in time, Ailani Kupau was a celebrated Hawaiian musician and composer in the early 20th century. Her compositions helped to revive and preserve traditional Hawaiian music, which had faced challenges during the period of Western influence.

More recently, Ailani Hogan was a respected Hawaiian artist and cultural practitioner in the late 20th century. Her works, inspired by traditional Hawaiian values and motifs, have been widely exhibited and celebrated for their artistic and cultural significance.

Throughout its history, the name Ailani has carried a deep connection to Hawaiian culture, spirituality, and the enduring bond between the people and the land. It has been borne by individuals who have made significant contributions to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of the Hawaiian Islands.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ailani was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ailani, please contact us.

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