Rising since 1985, #253 for girls today.
Popularity of Kailani since 1980
Babies named Kailani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 59 |
| 1990s | 204 |
| 2000s | 1,147 |
| 2010s | 4,067 |
| 2020s | 7,301 |
Meaning & origin
Kailani entered U.S. birth records in 1980 and has risen steadily, reaching a peak rank of 202 in 2022. It has been on an upward trajectory since 1985, reflecting growing interest in Hawaiian names nationally. In 2025 it ranked 253rd, with about 1 in 1,323 girls receiving the name. It is most commonly given in Hawaii, Delaware, and Rhode Island, and is part of a wave of melodic, nature-inspired names that also includes Milani, Alani, and Magnolia. The name Kailani evokes Hawaiian landscapes and has become a popular choice outside the islands.
Kailani is of Hawaiian origin, likely derived from kai (sea, ocean, salt water) and lani (sky, heaven, heavenly). The name suggests a connection between sea and sky, evoking the natural beauty of Hawaii. It gained popularity in the late 20th century as Hawaiian names entered wider use in the United States.
Where Kailani is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kai, Lani
Sibling names for Kailani
Names that share Kailani's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Leilani, Malani, Nalani, Kiana, Makana, Ailani, Alani, Aniah, Makena, Milani, Chenoa, Kahlani, Kalena, Kelani, Keona, Khalani, Lailani, Meilani, Nailea, Noelani, Alahni, Alanie, Aloha, Anevay, Calani, Dalani, Daylani, Haili, Jabria, Jailani, Jaylanie, Jayliana, Kailei, Kaloni, Kariah, Kealani, Keani, Keilany, Kemani, Khaleah, Klani, Laylanie, Layni, Leiani, Leilana, Leiloni, Lelani, Leylanie, Maeli, Mahealani, Mahina, Mahlia, Mailee, Makyia, Malaysha, Maloni, Mehlani, Miasia, Mylani, Naidelyn, Nailani, Naylani, Nizhoni, Talayah, Tehani, Tyliah, Ulani, Zalayah, Aalani, Ahlani, Airyanna, Alanii, Alonni, Braniya, Dailani, Dashanti, Halona, Hanalei, Jalaiya, Jaleya, Jaylianna, Jeilani, Jenaiah, Kaileia, Kaina, Kamalani, Kaylanni, Kohana, Laelani, Lahela, Lailany, Lailoni, Lailynn, Lanitra, Leilanie, Leilanni, Leilanny, Lilinoe, Mahlani, Mailani, Makaiyah, Malahni, Malaiah, Maylani, Mialani, Myliah, Naelani, Nahlia, Naliah, Neilani, Seriah, Talani, Tarita, Zaylani, Dehlani, Khaloni, Mikeila, Ailanie, Ailanys, Akaiya, Alayasia, Amyrie, Annalei, Aylanni, Ceniya, Daelani, Dalayah, Darriona, Deilani, Denaly, Eilani, Emonii, Healani, Hiilani, Hilinai, Hokulani, Iolana, Iolani, Iwalani, Jonai, Kaena, Kailanni, Kaleeah, Kamalei, Karmani, Kaveah, Kimori, Koriana, Laiani, Lailanie, Laloni, Leighlani, Leilanii, Lilyauna, Lulani, Malanii, Malanni, Maleeah, Maleiah, Malillany, Meleni, Milahni, Mililani, Millani, Nahlani, Naileah, Nalany, Naylee, Nehlani, Nohealani, Nolani, Raelani, Roselani, Shalayah, Taimane, Taylani, Tylani, Uilani, Yeilani
Brothers: Kai, Kanoa, Keanu, Ikaika, Makana, Koa, Malikai, Kaipo, Kamauri, Kawhi, Jatavion, Javoni, Kaikoa, Kailon, Kaimani, Kairyn, Kamuela, Zayvien, Jailan, Khalee, Aukai, Janziel, Kaien, Kaii, Kainon, Kaiyon, Kaulana, Laakea, Makail, Thailan, Zailen
Names like Kailani
Names whose popularity has moved with Kailani's over the last 50 years.
