The baby name Leelani is a Female name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced LEE-LAH-nee,LAY-LAH-nee (Hawaiian pronunciation, as in Leilani).
Leelani is Hawaiian in Origin.
The baby name Leelani is a Female name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced LEE-LAH-nee,LAY-LAH-nee (Hawaiian pronunciation, as in Leilani).
Leelani is Hawaiian in Origin.
Leelani is a modern respelling of the Hawaiian name Leilani, built from lei "garland, wreath of flowers" and lani "heaven, sky; royal, exalted." The combined sense is often rendered "heavenly lei," "royal garland," or by extension "heavenly flowers." While the -ee- signals the common English pronunciation LEE-lah-nee, Hawaiian orthography uses ei, so Leilani remains the standard form.
Usage of Leilani surged on the U.S. mainland after the hit song Sweet Leilani (1937), and creative spellings like Leelani, Lailani, Leylani, Lelani, and Leilany followed in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Nicknames include Lei and Lani; Leelee appears in English. Though its sound overlaps with Sanskrit Lila/Leela ("divine play"), Leelani’s etymology is Hawaiian. The name conveys images of nature, grace, and high status, making it popular for parents seeking a lyrical, island-rooted choice.
Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.
| Country | Gender | Year | Rank | Born | of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QA | Girls | 0 | #343 | 1 | 15,378 |
| United States | Girls | 2023 | #910 | 5 | 8,600 |
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