Rising since 1990, #7,885 for girls today.
Popularity of Kealani since 1977
Babies named Kealani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 89 |
| 2000s | 196 |
| 2010s | 176 |
| 2020s | 74 |
Meaning & origin
Kealani is a rare Hawaiian name that first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1977. While its exact meaning is debated, it likely derives from the elements 'ke' (the) and 'alani' (heavenly or orange tree), evoking a poetic, natural quality. As of 2025, the name ranks 7,885th, with a frequency of about 1 in 123,636 births, indicating its rarity. It reached its peak popularity in 2000, and its trajectory has been gradually rising since 1990, suggesting a slow but steady increase in interest. Though not tied to any specific state or cultural phenomenon, Kealani follows the broader trend of Hawaiian names gaining modest attention in mainland U.S. for their melodic sound and island associations. The name remains a distinctive choice, with no famous bearers.
Kealani may be derived from Hawaiian elements 'ke' (the) and 'alani' (heavenly, sky; also the name for the orange tree). It appeared in U.S. records starting in 1977, likely introduced as a variant of similar Hawaiian names like Keala or Leilani. The name remains uncommon but has seen modest use in the United States, particularly since the 1990s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kea, Lani, Kiki
Variants: Kealene, Kaelani
Sibling names for Kealani
Names that share Kealani's style, for a brother or sister.
