Rising since 1999, #8,860 for girls today.
Popularity of Chani since 1968
Babies named Chani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 107 |
| 1980s | 144 |
| 1990s | 128 |
| 2000s | 127 |
| 2010s | 116 |
| 2020s | 90 |
Meaning & origin
Chani is a rare feminine name in the United States, first recorded in 1968. Despite its low overall usage, it has shown a rising trajectory since 1999, suggesting growing interest. The name peaked in popularity in 1986, but remains uncommon, with an estimated 1 in 146,115 newborns given the name in 2025. Its origins are ambiguous: it may be a modern English coinage or a Hebrew diminutive of Hannah. Parents drawn to short, melodious names with a contemporary feel may find Chani appealing.
Chani is a name that appears to have multiple possible origins. It may be a modern English feminine name, possibly derived from the Hebrew name Chana (a variant of Hannah, meaning 'grace'), with the diminutive suffix -i. Alternatively, it could be a variant spelling of the Sanskrit name Channi or a sound-based modern coinage. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1968 and has seen modest use since, with a peak in 1986.
“Chani” around the world
Where Chani lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Chani
Names that share Chani's style, for a brother or sister.
