Find out how popular the first name Lani has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lani by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Lani is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Lani being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 96 female babies and 5 male babies born with the name Lani.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby boys were named Lani in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Lani

The name Lani originates from the Hawaiian language and culture. It is believed to have its roots in the word "lani," which means "sky," "heaven," or "heavenly" in Hawaiian. The name's origins can be traced back to the ancient Polynesian settlers who inhabited the Hawaiian Islands.

In Hawaiian mythology, Lani was the name given to the heavenly realm, representing the celestial sphere or the abode of the gods. It was a sacred concept that reflected the deep reverence and connection the ancient Hawaiians had with the natural world and the spiritual realm.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Lani can be found in the Hawaiian chants and oral traditions, which were passed down through generations. These chants often invoked the name Lani as a way to honor the divine forces and seek blessings from the heavens.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Lani. One of the most renowned was Lani Kaumualii (1778-1824), who was the last ruling monarch of the Kingdom of Kauai before the unification of the Hawaiian Islands under King Kamehameha I. Kaumualii was known for his diplomatic skills and efforts to preserve the sovereignty of his island.

Another prominent figure was Lani Kailiponi (1889-1972), a Hawaiian musician and composer who played a significant role in reviving and preserving traditional Hawaiian music. Her compositions, such as "Hi'ilawe" and "Puamana," became beloved classics and celebrated the beauty and spirit of the Hawaiian culture.

In the realm of sports, Lani Muir (1957-2021) was a renowned Hawaiian surfer and pioneer in the world of women's surfing. She won multiple championships and helped pave the way for the recognition of women's surfing as a professional sport.

Lani Moo Young (born 1962) is a prominent Hawaiian activist and educator who has dedicated her life to promoting and preserving the Hawaiian language and culture. She has been a vocal advocate for the rights of Native Hawaiians and has played a crucial role in revitalizing the use of the Hawaiian language in education and community settings.

Lani Guinier (born 1950) is an American lawyer, scholar, and civil rights activist. Although not of Hawaiian descent, her name has gained recognition for her work on issues of race, equality, and democratic participation. She has held prestigious positions at various universities, including Harvard Law School and the University of Pennsylvania.

While these are just a few examples, the name Lani has been carried by many individuals throughout history, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Hawaiian culture, arts, and activism.

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

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

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