Find out how popular the first name Maelani has been for the last 26 years (from 1999 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Maelani by gender

Based on the last 26 years of data, Maelani is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 131 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Maelani.

The history of the first name Maelani

The name Maelani is believed to have originated from the Hawaiian language, with its roots tracing back to the Polynesian cultures of the Pacific Islands. The earliest known use of this name dates back to the 18th century, when it was commonly used within the Hawaiian Islands.

Maelani is a compound word derived from the Hawaiian words "mae," meaning "towards," and "lani," which translates to "heaven" or "sky." Thus, the name Maelani can be interpreted as "towards the heavens" or "heavenly direction." This name likely held spiritual significance for the ancient Hawaiians, who revered the natural world and the celestial bodies.

While there are no known references to the name Maelani in ancient Hawaiian texts or religious scriptures, its linguistic roots suggest a deep connection to the traditional beliefs and practices of the Hawaiian people, who saw the sky as a realm of spiritual significance.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Maelani was Maelani Kalama, a Hawaiian chief who lived in the late 18th century and was known for his leadership during the unification of the Hawaiian Islands under King Kamehameha I.

Another notable figure was Maelani Kahele, a Hawaiian navigator and explorer who lived in the early 19th century. He was renowned for his expertise in traditional Polynesian navigation techniques, using the stars and ocean currents to guide his voyages across the Pacific.

In the realm of Hawaiian music, Maelani Loke was a renowned songwriter and musician in the late 19th century. Her compositions helped preserve and promote traditional Hawaiian melodies and lyrics, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of the islands.

Maelani Kahanamoku, born in 1890, was a pioneering Hawaiian surfer and Olympic swimmer. He helped introduce the sport of surfing to the world and played a significant role in popularizing the Hawaiian culture and lifestyle.

Maelani Kealoha, born in 1935, was a respected Hawaiian educator and advocate for indigenous rights. She dedicated her life to preserving and promoting the Hawaiian language, culture, and traditional practices, ensuring their continuation for future generations.

While the name Maelani may not be as common today as it once was, its origins and historical significance remain deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Hawaiian people and their connection to the natural world and celestial realms.

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

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Maelani, 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!