The name Kalani has its origins in the Hawaiian language and culture. It is derived from two Hawaiian words: "kala", meaning "the sun" or "the heavens", and "ani", meaning "to tread" or "to go forth". Thus, the name Kalani can be interpreted to mean "the heavenly one" or "the one who walks among the heavens".

The name Kalani has been in use in Hawaii for centuries and has been historically associated with Hawaiian royalty and nobility. It was a popular name among the ruling ali'i (chiefly) class of ancient Hawaiian society. The name can be found in Hawaiian genealogies, chants, and oral traditions dating back to the pre-contact era.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kalani can be found in the legend of Kalani-kapu-Daimoku, a famed Hawaiian chief who lived in the late 15th or early 16th century. He was known for his valor in battle and his leadership skills.

In more recent history, Kalani was the name of a prominent Hawaiian prince in the late 19th century. Prince Kalani-a-nao-Kumu was born in 1871 and was a member of the House of Kalakaua, the last reigning royal family of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Another notable figure with the name Kalani was Kalani Kaua'au-pio-o-ka-lani, a Hawaiian language scholar and educator who lived from 1855 to 1932. He played a crucial role in preserving and promoting the Hawaiian language and culture during a time when it was under threat.

In the world of entertainment, Kalani Ryder is a well-known American actress and model of Hawaiian descent, born in 1988. She has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the popular series "Hawaii Five-0".

Kalani Queypo is a renowned Hawaiian hula dancer and kumu hula (hula teacher) who has helped to preserve and perpetuate the ancient art of hula. She was born in 1942 and has been a prominent figure in the Hawaiian cultural renaissance.

While the name Kalani has its roots in Hawaiian culture, it has gained popularity in other parts of the world as well, particularly in areas with significant Hawaiian or Polynesian populations. However, its rich historical and cultural significance remains deeply rooted in the Hawaiian Islands.