Lelani is a beautiful and unique name of Hawaiian origin. It is derived from the Hawaiian word "Lehua," which means "to be dear" or "beloved." This name has been traditionally used for girls in Hawaii, but it can also be used for boys.
The story behind Lelani is quite interesting. According to Hawaiian mythology, Lehua was a beautiful maiden who fell in love with the demigod Maui. However, Maui was so captivated by Lehua's beauty that he transformed her into a flower called lehua. This flower is still found today on the island of Hawaii and is considered sacred.
Over time, the name Lehua has evolved into Lelani, which has gained popularity not only in Hawaii but also worldwide as parents seek unique and meaningful names for their children. Despite its growing popularity, Lelani remains a distinctive and memorable name that pays homage to Hawaiian culture and mythology.
In summary, Lelani is a stunning name of Hawaiian origin that means "to be dear" or "beloved." It has a fascinating history rooted in Hawaiian mythology, making it a wonderful choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
The name Lelani has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, there were fewer than 10 births per year with this name. However, starting in the late 1960s, there was a gradual rise in the number of babies named Lelani each year.
The peak popularity of the name Lelani occurred between the years 2002 and 2023, with more than 25 births per year recorded during this period. The highest number of births with the name Lelani was recorded in 2020 and 2023, with 46 and 43 births respectively.
Overall, from 1948 to 2023, there were a total of 921 babies named Lelani born in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name may not have been extremely popular throughout its entire history, it has nonetheless become quite common in recent years.