Find out how popular the first name Lealani has been for the last 18 years (from 2006 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lealani by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Lealani is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lealani.

The history of the first name Lealani

The name Lealani is of Hawaiian origin and is a combination of two words: "lea" meaning "beloved" or "cherished," and "lani" meaning "heavenly" or "divine." It is a relatively modern name, with its earliest recorded use dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century.

While the name itself does not have a long historical tradition, its components carry significant cultural significance in Hawaiian language and mythology. The word "lani" is closely associated with the Hawaiian concept of the heavens, the realm of the gods and spiritual beings, and is often used in names and expressions related to the divine or celestial.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Lealani was Lealani Muir (1891-1977), a Hawaiian dancer and educator who was renowned for her efforts in preserving and promoting traditional Hawaiian culture and hula. She was instrumental in establishing the first hula school in Honolulu and was recognized as a Living Treasure of Hawaii for her contributions.

Another notable figure was Lealani English (1925-2021), a Hawaiian entertainer and actress who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career, including the popular Hawaii Five-O series. She was also an accomplished hula dancer and a respected cultural ambassador for Hawaii.

In the field of politics, Lealani Kaapu (born 1946) served as a member of the Hawaii House of Representatives from 1984 to 2002, representing the island of Molokai. She was a strong advocate for Native Hawaiian rights and played a crucial role in the establishment of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

In literature, Lealani Kahunanui (born 1941) is a prominent Hawaiian author and playwright whose works explore the cultural and political experiences of Native Hawaiians. Her plays, such as "The Bird Play" and "The Queen's Gardener," have been widely performed and acclaimed for their artistic and cultural significance.

Another notable figure is Lealani Mendonca (born 1975), a Hawaiian musician and singer who has been instrumental in reviving and popularizing traditional Hawaiian music. Her album "Lihue" was recognized with a Na Hoku Hanohano Award, one of the highest honors in Hawaiian music.

While the name Lealani is relatively modern, it has become increasingly popular in recent decades, reflecting a growing interest and appreciation for Hawaiian culture and traditions. Its meaning and historical associations with the divine and celestial realms have contributed to its appeal and enduring significance in the Hawaiian community.

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

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

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