MallowbyNames

Ulani

oo-LAH-nee · Of uncertain origin; possibly derived from the Hawaiian word 'ulani' meaning 'heavenly' or 'cheerful', but this is not firmly attested as a given name meaning.

2025 rank (girls)
#2,719
Babies named in 2025
63
Peak popularity
2023
2025 frequency
1 in 25,512 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 1998

Rising since 1998, #2,719 for girls today.

Popularity of Ulani since 1998

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

275380200020102020Most births 2023Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1990s18
2000s119
2010s165
2020s365

Meaning & origin

Ulani is a rare Hawaiian name that entered U.S. records in 1998. Its peak year was 2023, and its trajectory has been rising since its debut. In 2025, it ranked 2,719 with a 1-in-25,512 frequency. The name is most popular in Georgia, Texas, and Florida, reflecting its spread beyond Hawaii. Ulani remains a distinctive choice, likely appealing to parents seeking a melodic, oceanic name with Hawaiian roots.

Ulani is a name of Hawaiian origin, though its exact meaning is debated. It may be derived from the Hawaiian word 'ulani', which can mean 'heavenly' or 'cheerful'. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1998 and has since seen modest but rising use, particularly in states with significant Hawaiian cultural influence.

Where Ulani 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: Lani

Sibling names for Ulani

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

Sisters: Kailani, Leilani, Malani, Nalani, Olani

Brothers: Keoni, Koa, Makai, Noa, Kanoa

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

U is for Ulani, our favorite little girl.

U is for Ulani…”

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

Make Ulani's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Ulani mean?
The meaning of Ulani is uncertain. It is thought to derive from Hawaiian words meaning 'heavenly' or 'cheerful', but this is not confirmed.
How popular is the name Ulani?
Ulani is a rare name. As of 2025, it ranked 2,719 in the U.S. and was given to about 1 in every 25,512 newborns.
Is Ulani a girl's name or a boy's name?
Ulani is most commonly used as a girl's name.