Seini
A girl's name of Hawaiian origin with 66 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Seini reads as a modern invention — a name that emerged in the 1980s and was likely coined by parents looking for something fresh rather than inherited.
The open, approachable quality of its ending — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression — keeps the name compact and easy to pair with longer middle names or surnames.
Seini is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Seini is a girl's baby name of Polynesian origin, the Fijian and Tongan form of Jane, ultimately derived from Hebrew Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious.'
Used widely in the Pacific Islands, Seini reflects how European names were adapted into the melodic rhythms of Polynesian languages. Its soft, vowel-rich sound makes it feel at home in both island communities and the broader diaspora.
EtymologyShow more
Seini appeared in SSA records in 1986, placing it in the modern era of American naming — a period when parents increasingly began breaking from generational naming patterns, experimenting with spelling, and treating naming as a form of creative self-expression. Its Hawaiian roots may have been the starting point, adapted or respelled to fit contemporary American tastes.
With only 66 recorded births, Seini has not been widely studied in naming literature — its story belongs primarily to the families who chose it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Seini has 12+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1986.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5 | #17362 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 19 | #16119 | — |
| 2000s | 21 | #18527 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 15 | #15547 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 6 | #10596 | — |
The Story of Seini
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2010, Seini is a name that defines a generation. Girls named Seini are most likely born between 2000 and 2020.
How rare is Seini?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Seini is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1986, peaked in the 2000s with 21 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Seini by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(12 years, 1986–2022)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | #17362 |
| 2019 | 5 | #17579 |
| 2015 | 5 | #18678 |
| 2010 | 9 | #12100 |
| 2009 | 5 | #19708 |
| 2007 | 6 | #17250 |
| 2006 | 5 | #19528 |
| 2002 | 5 | #17623 |
| 1999 | 5 | #16429 |
| 1994 | 5 | #15286 |
| 1991 | 5 | #14925 |
| 1986 | 6 | #10596 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seini a boy's or girl's name?
When was Seini most popular?
How popular is the name Seini?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1986–2022