Find out how popular the first name Kehlani has been for the last 9 years (from 2015 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kehlani by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Kehlani is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Kehlani being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,854 female babies and 6 male babies born with the name Kehlani.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 6 baby boys were named Kehlani in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Kehlani

The name Kehlani has its roots in the Polynesian language of Samoa, where it originated as a feminine name meaning "the way of life" or "the way of the sea." Traditionally, it was given to girls born near the ocean or with a strong connection to the sea.

In Samoan culture, the name Kehlani was often associated with the goddess of the sea, known as Nafanua. It was believed that daughters bearing this name would be blessed with grace, beauty, and a deep connection to the natural world.

The earliest recorded use of the name Kehlani dates back to the 16th century, when it appeared in ancient Samoan chants and oral traditions passed down through generations. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the name gained wider recognition outside of Samoa.

One of the earliest documented individuals with the name Kehlani was a Samoan chieftain's daughter born in 1825. She was renowned for her beauty and her skill in traditional Samoan dances and ceremonies.

Another notable figure in history bearing the name Kehlani was a Samoan princess born in 1876. She was known for her diplomatic skills and served as an ambassador for her people, facilitating trade and cultural exchanges with neighboring islands.

In the early 20th century, a Samoan writer and poet named Kehlani Tuiasosopo gained acclaim for her works celebrating the beauty of her homeland and the rich traditions of her people. She was born in 1902 and her poetry continues to be studied and revered in Samoa.

A more contemporary figure with the name Kehlani was a Samoan-American activist and environmentalist, Kehlani Tualaulelei, born in 1945. She dedicated her life to raising awareness about the impact of climate change on Pacific Island nations and advocating for sustainable practices.

Another notable individual bearing the name Kehlani was a Samoan-New Zealander artist and sculptor, Kehlani Faalupega, born in 1968. Her work, which drew inspiration from traditional Samoan motifs and the natural world, gained international recognition and is featured in several prestigious museums.

While the name Kehlani has its roots in Samoa, it has since gained popularity across various cultures and regions, particularly in recent decades. However, its rich history and connections to Polynesian culture and the ocean remain an integral part of its meaning and significance.

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 Kehlani was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!