Rising since 2000, #3,167 for girls today.
Popularity of Leiani since 1998
Babies named Leiani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 54 |
| 2010s | 166 |
| 2020s | 238 |
Meaning & origin
Leiani is a modern American name that first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 1998. As of 2025, it ranks 3,167 nationally, with approximately 1 in every 32,145 newborn girls receiving the name. Its peak in popularity occurred in 2025, reflecting a steady upward trajectory since the early 2000s. The name is most commonly given in Texas, which aligns with a broader trend of Hawaiian-inspired names gaining favor in the southern U.S. While its etymology is not firmly established, Leiani likely draws from the Hawaiian element lei and the fashionable suffix -ani, or serves as a streamlined variant of Leilani. Parents are often attracted to its melodic, feminine sound and the nature imagery it evokes. The name remains relatively rare but is climbing, appealing to those seeking a distinctive yet familiar-sounding choice.
Leiani is a modern coinage, possibly formed by blending the Hawaiian-influenced element Lei (meaning 'garland of flowers') with the feminine suffix -ani, or as a variant of the more established name Leilani. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1998 and has seen gradual use, particularly in Texas. Its exact derivation is not documented in traditional name references.
Where Leiani is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lei, Ani, Lani
Sibling names for Leiani
Names that share Leiani's style, for a brother or sister.
