Find out how popular the first name Kilani has been for the last 36 years (from 1988 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kilani by gender

Based on the last 36 years of data, Kilani is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 13 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kilani.

The history of the first name Kilani

The name Kilani is believed to have its origins in the Hawaiian language. It is a word derived from the Hawaiian word "kila," which means "bright" or "shining." The name first emerged in the Hawaiian islands as early as the 18th century.

Kilani was a relatively uncommon name in ancient Hawaiian culture, but it gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is Kilani Ahuna, a Hawaiian chieftain who lived in the late 18th century and played a significant role in the unification of the Hawaiian Islands under King Kamehameha I.

In the 19th century, Kilani Wilcox was a prominent Hawaiian businessman and landowner. He was born in 1839 and played a crucial role in the development of the sugar industry in Hawaii. Wilcox is remembered for his philanthropy and his efforts to preserve Hawaiian culture and traditions.

Another notable figure with the name Kilani was Kilani Makua, a Hawaiian language scholar and teacher who lived from 1864 to 1945. Makua was instrumental in promoting the use of the Hawaiian language and preserving Hawaiian folklore and storytelling traditions.

In the 20th century, Kilani Kamahoahoa was a renowned Hawaiian musician and composer. Born in 1924, Kamahoahoa was known for his skill in playing the ukulele and his contributions to the development of Hawaiian music.

More recently, Kilani Hevesi was a Hawaiian artist and activist who worked to promote Hawaiian culture and environmental conservation. She was born in 1946 and passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful artwork and advocacy for Native Hawaiian rights.

While the name Kilani is still relatively uncommon outside of Hawaii, it has gained recognition as a beautiful and meaningful name that celebrates the rich cultural 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 Kilani was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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