Is Lani a boy's or girl's name?

Lani is primarily a girl's name. It is also used as a boy's name, with 183 recorded births.

When was Lani most popular?

Lani reached its peak popularity in 1979 with 143 births that year. It is currently ranked #1911 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Lani?

Lani is currently ranked #1911 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 7,241 babies since 1917.

Lani

An uncommon Hawaiian pick — distinctive and rare.

Girl's name| Also boysHawaiianRising fast Also a pet name

#1911▲ 130in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A female given name from Hawaiian.

Lani is a girl's and boy's baby name of Hawaiian origin, meaning 'sky,' 'heaven,' or 'royal.' In the Hawaiian language, lani refers to both the physical sky above and the concept of celestial or divine status — a name that places a child among the heavens from birth.

Over 7,241 U.S. births are recorded. Lani is used in Hawaii and among Pacific Islander communities, and is also found as a short form of longer Hawaiian names like Leilani and Noelani. Simple, warm, and sky-blue in spirit.

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Popularity Over Time

Lani was #1524 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #1911, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Lani
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	472	#2048	▼
2010s	762	#2421	▼
2000s	1,144	#1760	▲
1990s	691	#2112	▼
1980s	838	#1558	—
1970s	911	#1291	▲
1960s	887	#1168	—
1950s	894	#1057	▲
1940s	596	#1097	▲
1930s	31	#2118	▲
1920s	10	#5431	▲
1910s	5	#4957	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(90 years, 1917–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Lani
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	104	#1911	+8 (8.3%)
2023	96	#2041	-2 (-2.0%)
2022	98	#1999	+6 (6.5%)
2021	92	#2081	+10 (12.2%)
2020	82	#2208	+1 (1.2%)
2019	81	#2262	+8 (11.0%)
2018	73	#2450	-5 (-6.4%)
2017	78	#2349	-2 (-2.5%)
2016	80	#2356	+13 (19.4%)
2015	67	#2671	-5 (-6.9%)
2014	72	#2505	-2 (-2.7%)
2013	74	#2451	+3 (4.2%)
2012	71	#2554	-5 (-6.6%)
2011	76	#2428	-14 (-15.6%)
2010	90	#2179	-8 (-8.2%)
2009	98	#2085	+3 (3.2%)
2008	95	#2131	-25 (-20.8%)
2007	120	#1790	-7 (-5.5%)
2006	127	#1668	-15 (-10.6%)
2005	142	#1485	+10 (7.6%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Lani as a Boy's Name

While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Lani has also been given to 183 boys in the U.S. since 1939.

Unranked

Current rank

183

Total births

1961

Peak year

Compare Lani as girl vs boy

Frequently Asked

Can Lani be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Lani is used for both boys and girls. As a girl's name, it currently ranks #1911. As a boy's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Lani has two lives

Lani, the baby name

#1911girls

7,241 babies

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Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1917–2024) · Methodology