Meaning, origin, history
Kalani is a Hawaiian name of Native American origin. It is composed of two words: "kala," which means "the sea" or "of the sea," and "ni," which signifies "high" or "heavenly." Thus, Kalani translates to "of the sea that reaches the heavens."
The name Kalani has a rich history in Hawaiian culture. It was traditionally used as a title for Hawaiian royalty and chiefs. In ancient Hawaii, the title "Kalani" denoted someone who had high status or was considered divine. The most famous bearer of this name is King Kamehameha III, who ruled from 1825 to 1854.
Today, Kalani is used as both a first and last name in Hawaii and other parts of the United States. Despite its royal origins, it has become quite popular among common people as well. The name has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and meaningful origin.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Kalani since 1880
Total births
2,178
Total since 1880
Peak year
2009
86 births
in 2023
32
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-29%
↘
vs previous 5 years