MallowbyNames

Dayani

dah-YAH-nee · Of uncertain origin; possibly a modern invented name or a variant of Dayan, which is Hebrew for 'judge' or an Arabic name meaning 'commander'.

2025 rank (girls)
#3,832
Babies named in 2025
38
Peak popularity
2008
2025 frequency
1 in 42,297 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 1998

Rising since 1998, #3,832 for girls today.

Popularity of Dayani since 1998

Babies named Dayani per year in U.S. Social Security records.

234770200020102020Most births 2008Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1990s13
2000s233
2010s324
2020s183

Meaning & origin

Dayani is a modern name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1998. It has been steadily rising in use since then, with a peak rank of 3,832 in 2025, when about 1 in 42,297 baby girls received the name. The name's highest popularity to date was in 2008. While its exact origins are debated, it may have Hebrew or Arabic roots, though it is most likely a contemporary invention. Dayani is most common in Texas, reflecting broader trends of creative naming in the southern U.S. Its rarity and melodic sound make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon name.

The name Dayani first appeared in U.S. records in 1998, suggesting a modern coinage. It may be a feminine elaboration of the Hebrew name Dayan ('judge') or a variant of the Arabic Dayyan ('judge' or 'commander'). However, its precise derivation is unclear, and it is most likely a creative modern name.

Where Dayani is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Daya, Yani, Day

Variants: Dayan, Dayana, Dayanni

Sibling names for Dayani

Names that share Dayani's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Ariana, Maya, Naya, Sana, Zara

Brothers: Dylan, Ethan, Kai, Liam, Noah

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

D is for Dayani, our favorite little girl.

D is for Dayani…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Dayani's letter becomes Dayani's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Dayani's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Dayani mean?
The meaning of Dayani is uncertain. It may be derived from Hebrew Dayan (meaning 'judge') or Arabic Dayyan (meaning 'commander'), but it is most likely a modern invented name.
How popular is the name Dayani?
Dayani is rare. In 2025, it ranked 3,832 with about 1 in 42,297 girls given the name.
Is Dayani a boy or girl name?
Dayani is almost exclusively used for girls.