MallowbyNames

Leylani

lay-LAH-nee · Of uncertain origin; possibly a modern respelling of Leilani, which means 'heavenly lei' or 'royal child' in Hawaiian.

2025 rank (girls)
#970
Babies named in 2025
263
Peak popularity
2025
2025 frequency
1 in 6,111 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 1999

Rising since 1999, #970 for girls today.

Popularity of Leylani since 1999

Babies named Leylani per year in U.S. Social Security records.

88175263200020102020Most births 2025Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1990s7
2000s309
2010s933
2020s1,366

Meaning & origin

Leylani is a modern respelling of the Hawaiian name Leilani, first recorded in United States Social Security data in 1999. As of 2023, it ranked 970th in popularity, with approximately 1 in 6,111 newborn girls receiving the name. The name's peak popularity occurred in 2023, aligning with a broader trend for melodic Hawaiian-inspired names. It has been rising steadily in use since 1999, reflecting parents' preference for unique spellings. Leylani is most common in the states of Kansas, Georgia, and Illinois, suggesting regional appeal. The name is exclusively given to girls, and its trajectory indicates continued growth. While its meaning is tied to the Hawaiian roots of Leilani, the variant spelling Leylani is best understood as a modern, creative adaptation.

Leylani is widely considered a modern respelling of the Hawaiian name Leilani, from lei (garland, flower) and lani (heavenly, royal). The name gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century as part of a trend for names with Hawaiian-inspired sounds and spellings. The 'ey' variant emerged around the 1990s, reflecting a common preference for unique spellings.

Where Leylani is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Ley, Lani, Leyla

Variants: Leilani, Laylani, Leylanie

Sibling names for Leylani

Names that share Leylani's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Kai, Nalani, Malia, Sienna, Anaya

Brothers: Koa, Milo, Kai, Liam, Noah

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

L is for Leylani, our favorite little girl.

L is for Leylani…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Leylani's letter becomes Leylani's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Leylani's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Leylani mean?
Leylani is likely a respelling of the Hawaiian name Leilani, which combines lei (garland, flower) and lani (heavenly, royal), giving meanings such as 'heavenly flower' or 'royal child.'
Is Leylani a popular name for girls?
Yes, Leylani is predominantly a girl's name. In the United States in 2023, it ranked 970th in popularity, with approximately 1 in 6,111 newborn girls given the name. It has been rising in use since 1999.
Is Leylani a Hawaiian name?
The original form Leilani is Hawaiian, but the spelling Leylani is a modern American variation, often grouped with contemporary invented spellings.