Declining since 2017.
Popularity of Leinani since 1975
Babies named Leinani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 21 |
| 1990s | 11 |
| 2000s | 17 |
| 2010s | 50 |
| 2020s | 34 |
Meaning & origin
Leinani is a Hawaiian name meaning 'beautiful lei,' reflecting the cultural significance of flower garlands in Hawaii. While it has never been a top 1,000 name in the U.S., it has seen periodic use since its first recorded appearance in 1975. The name reached its peak popularity in 2018, but its usage has been declining since 2017, consistent with a broader trend away from many Hawaiian names in mainland states. Leinani is almost exclusively given to girls. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, lyrical quality, and it remains a meaningful choice for families with ties to Hawaii or an appreciation for its language and traditions.
Leinani is a Hawaiian name composed of lei (garland, wreath, or necklace of flowers) and nani (beauty, beautiful). It thus translates to 'beautiful lei' or 'floral garland of beauty.' The name gained modest popularity in the mainland United States from the 1970s onward, reflecting broader interest in Hawaiian culture and place names.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lei, Nani, Lani
Variants: Lei Nani, Leinani
Sibling names for Leinani
Names that share Leinani's style, for a brother or sister.
