Rising since 1985, #414 for girls today.
Popularity of Nalani since 1946
Babies named Nalani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 15 |
| 1950s | 53 |
| 1960s | 59 |
| 1970s | 125 |
| 1980s | 157 |
| 1990s | 319 |
| 2000s | 1,199 |
| 2010s | 2,646 |
| 2020s | 3,381 |
Meaning & origin
Nalani first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1946, but its modern popularity began rising in 1985 and has continued upward, reaching its peak rank of 414 in 2025. That year, approximately 1 in 2,132 newborn girls were named Nalani. The name enjoys particular favor in Hawaii, where it ranked highest, as well as in South Carolina and North Carolina. Its meaning, tied to the Hawaiian word lani (heaven or sky), places it within a rich tradition of nature-inspired Hawaiian names. While still relatively uncommon nationally, Nalani's steady trajectory suggests it appeals to parents seeking a melodic, culturally rooted name with a serene meaning.
Nalani is a Hawaiian name composed of the elements na (the) and lani (heaven, sky, chief, or spiritual). It can be interpreted as 'the heavens' or 'the chief.' Lani is a common element in Hawaiian names, and Nalani has been used in Hawaii since at least the mid-20th century.
Where Nalani 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nala, Lani, Nani
Sibling names for Nalani
Names that share Nalani's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kai, Leilani, Malia, Kiana, Anela, Ailani, Alani, Kailani, Kairi, Kalia, Keilani, Lani, Makena, Kaelani, Kahlani, Kalea, Kalei, Kelani, Khalani, Kiani, Lailani, Laylani, Leilany, Leylani, Luana, Maile, Meilani, Noelani, Tiare, Alahia, Alika, Aloha, Anuhea, Aolani, Aulani, Calani, Dalani, Halia, Kaiulani, Kalise, Kaloni, Kania, Keala, Khaleah, Kimorah, Lalani, Lanai, Leiani, Leilana, Leiloni, Lelani, Liani, Maeli, Mahealani, Maika, Malaia, Malaiya, Malie, Malisha, Marriah, Mele, Mylani, Ohana, Shalana, Talicia, Tehani, Ulani, Calayah, Caylani, Daziyah, Eilany, Eloni, Halona, Indiyah, Jalaiya, Kahealani, Kaina, Kamaile, Kamalani, Kamea, Kawena, Kehlany, Keimani, Keonia, Khalise, Kohana, Kyani, Ladasha, Laiana, Lailany, Lanitra, Lanyiah, Latessa, Lehlani, Leilanie, Leilanni, Leilanny, Leiliana, Lilinoe, Mahlani, Mailani, Malaiah, Maleeya, Maleni, Maylani, Nalanie, Neilani, Nohea, Talani, Tarita, Diavian, Kelahni, Khaloni, Kuuipo, Ailanys, Cailani, Caleyah, Deilani, Halaina, Halei, Hiilani, Hokulani, Iwalani, Jalaila, Kailanie, Kailanni, Kailena, Kalaiya, Kalanii, Kalany, Kamalei, Karmani, Kayliani, Kealohilani, Kelany, Khailani, Kiyani, Lailanie, Laloni, Leighlani, Leilahni, Leilanii, Lulani, Malaka, Maleiah, Malita, Meleni, Milahni, Mililani, Moani, Nahlani, Nakaiya, Naloni, Naylin, Nehlani, Nikaya, Pele, Pualani, Sanoe, Semaya, Sophea, Taimane, Tamaka, Taylani, Tonga, Uilani, Yeilani, Zeniya
Brothers: Koa, Keanu, Ikaika, Kai, Makai, Kainoa, Kaleo, Kekoa, Keoni, Makaio, Makoa, Nakoa, Alakai, Kaimana, Kainalu, Kaipo, Kamauri, Kanai, Kanoa, Keoki, Keola, Keone, Kimo, Kona, Namari, Takota, Akoni, Jovaughn, Kaeo, Kaikoa, Kaimani, Kamilo, Kapono, Keahi, Kealii, Makani, Aleki, Aukai, Cheveyo, Kanaloa, Kaulana, Kawai, Keawe, Kelii, Leilan, Lopaka, Malahki, Quamere
