Declining since 1997, #7,885 for girls today.
Popularity of Kanani since 1964
Babies named Kanani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 78 |
| 1980s | 152 |
| 1990s | 202 |
| 2000s | 205 |
| 2010s | 158 |
| 2020s | 95 |
Meaning & origin
Kanani entered U.S. records in 1964 and saw its peak popularity in the year 2000, when it ranked 7885th and was given to about 1 in 123,636 babies. Since 1997, its usage has been declining, though it retains a distinctive Hawaiian charm. The name is most strongly associated with Hawaiian heritage and has not been widely adopted on the mainland, appearing mostly in states with larger Native Hawaiian communities. Its gentle sound and meaning of 'beauty' or 'glory' give it an enduring appeal for parents seeking a name with island roots.
Kanani is a Hawaiian name meaning 'the beautiful one' or 'the glory.' It derives from the Hawaiian word 'nani' (beauty, glory) with the definite article 'ka' prefixed. The name has been in limited use in the United States since the mid-20th century, reflecting interest in Hawaiian culture and names.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nani, Kana
Sibling names for Kanani
Names that share Kanani's style, for a brother or sister.
