Rising since 2015, #148 for girls today.
Popularity of Kehlani since 2015
Babies named Kehlani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2010s | 3,198 |
| 2020s | 11,283 |
Meaning & origin
Kehlani is a modern name that entered the U.S. baby name charts in 2015 and has seen a steep rise in popularity since then. As of 2025, it ranks 148th overall, with approximately 1 in 811 newborn girls given the name. Its peak year so far is 2025, continuing its upward trajectory. The name is most popular in Mississippi, Rhode Island, and Louisiana. While its exact origin is uncertain, Kehlani fits a trend of melodic, vowel-rich names ending in '-ani' or '-lani', and it may have been influenced by Hawaiian language or place names. Unlike some similar names, Kehlani does not have deep historical roots; it is a contemporary creation that has quickly become a favorite among parents seeking a distinctive yet feminine name.
Kehlani first appeared in U.S. baby name records in 2015 and has risen quickly in popularity. The name may have been inspired by Hawaiian words or place names, but its exact derivation is unclear. It is likely a modern coinage with a melodic sound, possibly influenced by names like Kailani or Kaylani.
Where Kehlani 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.
“Kehlani” around the world
Where Kehlani lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
New Zealand
14
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kehl, Lani
Sibling names for Kehlani
Names that share Kehlani's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aria, Nova, Zara, Maya, Sage, Ailani, Alaia, Alani, Dasani, Nahomi, Aithana, Aolani, Ehlani, Janeli, Kemani, Lelani, Malana, Avaiah, Eilany, Kailoni, Kalana, Maleaha, Naelani, Nalanie, Nelani, Brehanna, Elahni, Jolani, Kailanie, Keymora, Mykelti, Naylee
Brothers: Kai, Milo, Ezra, Jasper, Leo, Arnez, Kaimana, Kanoa, Yosiah, Leilan
Names like Kehlani
Names whose popularity has moved with Kehlani's over the last 50 years.
