Rising since 1985, #590 for girls today.
Popularity of Meilani since 1982
Babies named Meilani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 52 |
| 1990s | 91 |
| 2000s | 224 |
| 2010s | 1,634 |
| 2020s | 1,970 |
Meaning & origin
Meilani is a modern name that has been steadily climbing in popularity since it first appeared in U.S. records in 1982. By 2025, it reached its peak rank of 590, with approximately 1 in every 3,227 newborn girls receiving the name. Its trajectory has been consistently rising since 1985, and it is most commonly found in Connecticut, Mississippi, and South Carolina. The name likely draws from Hawaiian or English naming trends, but its exact origin remains unclear, adding to its modern appeal.
The name Meilani first appeared in U.S. records in 1982, suggesting a modern coinage. It may blend the Hawaiian word 'mei' (from 'mele', meaning song) with 'lani' (meaning sky or heaven), or it could be a creative respelling of Melanie (from Greek 'melas', black). No single derivation is firmly established.
Where Meilani is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mei, Lani, Mela
Sibling names for Meilani
Names that share Meilani's style, for a brother or sister.
