Kalanni is a unique and captivating name of Hawaiian origin. It is believed to have been coined by the famous Hawaiian musician Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, who named his daughter Kalani in the late 1970s. Since then, the name has gained popularity among parents seeking distinctive and meaningful names for their children.
The meaning behind Kalanni is not as clear-cut as some other Hawaiian names, as it was not derived from traditional Hawaiian vocabulary or mythology. However, many people interpret Kalanni as a combination of two Hawaiian words: "kala," which means "wait" or "await," and "nihi," meaning "tears." This interpretation suggests that Kalanni could symbolize the anticipation of tears or sorrow, though this is not universally accepted.
Despite its potential association with sadness, many people choose the name Kalanni for its unique sound and Hawaiian heritage. It has been used as both a female and male name, demonstrating its versatility in terms of gender neutrality. While it may not have a long historical record like some other names, Kalanni's modern origins contribute to its freshness and allure.
In summary, Kalanni is an original Hawaiian name created by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Its meaning remains somewhat ambiguous but can be interpreted as a combination of "kala" (wait or await) and "nihi" (tears). As a unique and captivating name with both female and male variations, Kalanni continues to appeal to parents seeking distinctive names for their children.
The name Kalanni has seen a steady increase in popularity over the past decade in the United States. In 2013, there were only 5 babies born with this unique name, but by 2017, that number had more than doubled to 10 births. Although there was a slight dip in popularity in 2018 with 9 births, the name has remained consistent since then, with an average of around 8-10 births per year between 2020 and 2023.
Overall, from 2013 to 2023, there have been a total of 62 babies born in the United States named Kalanni. This steady growth in popularity suggests that this name is becoming more widely recognized and accepted as an appealing choice for parents looking for something distinctive yet not overly common. It's exciting to see how this trend may continue in future years!