MallowbyNames

Milani

mee-LAH-nee · Of debated origin; possibly a variant of the Italian surname or place name Milano, or a modern coinage blending 'Mila' and 'Leigh'.

2025 rank (girls)
#288
Babies named in 2025
1,063
Peak popularity
2022
2025 frequency
1 in 1,512 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 1992

Rising since 1992, #288 for girls today.

Popularity of Milani since 1991

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

4338661.3k200020102020Most births 2022Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1990s62
2000s612
2010s4,156
2020s6,816

Meaning & origin

Milani is a modern feminine name that first entered the U.S. popularity charts in 1991, a time when many parents were drawn to melodic, Italian-sounding names. It saw a steep rise in use through the 1990s and 2000s, peaking in 2022. In 2025, the name ranked 288th nationwide, with a frequency of approximately 1 in 1,512 baby girls. Its popularity is especially concentrated in states like Rhode Island, the District of Columbia, and Georgia, reflecting a broad but diverse appeal. The name's trajectory shows steady growth since 1992, fitting a pattern of names that blend familiarity with a fresh, modern sound.

Milani first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1991, emerging as part of a trend of feminine names ending in the fashionable suffix '-ani'. It may draw from the Italian surname Milani (from Milano, 'Milan'), or be a blend of names like Mila and Leigh. The name gained rapid popularity in the 2000s and 2010s, particularly in diverse urban centers.

Where Milani 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.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Milani” around the world

Where Milani lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • Ireland

    3

    babies in 2025

Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Mila, Lani, Mimi

Sibling names for Milani

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

Names like Milani

Names whose popularity has moved with Milani's over the last 50 years.

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

M is for Milani, our favorite little girl.

M is for Milani…”

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

Make Milani's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Milani mean?
The meaning is debated; it may derive from the Italian city Milan or be a modern invented name.
How popular is Milani currently?
In 2025, Milani ranked 288th in the United States, with about 1 in 1,512 baby girls given the name.
Is Milani a boy or girl name?
Milani is almost exclusively used as a girl's name in the United States.