Leelani is a unique and beautiful name with Hawaiian origins. It is composed of two elements: "le'a" which means "happy", "joyful", or "delighted"; and "lani" which means "heaven". Therefore, Leelani can be translated as "happy in heaven".
The name Leelani has a rich history rooted in Hawaiian culture. In ancient Hawaiian society, names often held significant meanings related to the individual's personality traits, family lineage, or even supernatural events. Leelani is believed to have been inspired by the beauty and happiness found in the natural world around them, particularly in the heavens above.
Today, Leelani continues to be a popular choice among parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughters. While it may not be as common as some other Hawaiian names like Kaia or Malia, those who choose Leelani are likely drawn to its unique beauty and uplifting meaning.
The name Leelani has seen a consistent presence in the United States over the past decade, with a total of 42 babies given this unique moniker since 2014. While there were no reported births with this name in 2016, it maintained an average of five births per year from 2014 to 2017 and 2020. Interestingly, the name's popularity surged slightly in recent years, with eight births in 2018 and nine in 2021. Despite a slight dip back down to five births in 2023, Leelani continues to be a distinctive choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet beautiful name for their baby girl.