Kalani
/kuh-LAH-nee/
Kalani is a Hawaiian boy's name pronounced /kuh-LAH-nee/. A timeless name referring to the heavens, the sky, or a royal chief.
Meaning of Kalani
A timeless name referring to the heavens, the sky, or a royal chief.
Kalani is derived from the Hawaiian elements 'ka', a definite article meaning 'the', and 'lani', meaning 'sky', 'heavens', or 'royal'. In traditional Hawaiian culture, the name signifies a connection to the divine or a person of high aristocratic rank.
- Origin
- Hawaiian
- Pronunciation
- /kuh-LAH-nee/
Cultural background
While historically significant in Hawaii, Kalani is now a popular unisex name across the United States and Pacific Islands. It is frequently chosen for its melodic sound and spiritual connotations.
Variations & nicknames
- Lani
- Kailani
- Keilani
- Kalanie
- Kalanni
Famous people named Kalani
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Kalani Sitake
Head football coach for Brigham Young University (BYU).
Sport · 2000s–present
Kalani Robb
Professional surfer and former ASP World Tour competitor.
Sport · 1990s–present
Kalani Queypo
Indigenous American actor known for roles in 'Trickster' and 'The New World'.
Film · 2000s–present
Kalani Hilliker
Dancer and television personality known for 'Dance Moms'.
Film · 2010s–present
Kalani Pe'a
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and Hawaiian language educator.
Music · 2010s–present
Frequently asked about Kalani
- What does Kalani mean?
- Kalani is a Hawaiian name meaning 'the heavens', 'the sky', or 'the royal one'.
- How do you pronounce Kalani?
- It is pronounced kah-LAH-nee.
- Is Kalani a boy or girl name?
- Kalani is a gender-neutral name used for both boys and girls, though it has gained significant popularity for both in recent decades.
- Is Kalani a common name?
- It is a well-established name in Hawaii and has become increasingly popular in the mainland United States since the late 20th century.
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More Hawaiian names
See all Hawaiian names- Lana’i/lah-NAH-ee/
Named after the island, it evokes a sense of conquest or great day and connects the child to the land.
- Liko/LEE-koh/
A sweet name meaning a fresh leaf bud, symbolizing new growth and potential.
- Iolana/ee-oh-LAH-nah/
A graceful and uplifting name meaning to soar like a hawk.
- Keola/keh-OH-luh/
A vibrant name representing life and the gift of health.
- Kanoa/kah-NOH-ah/
A name signifying a person who is free or the free one.
- Hekili/heh-KEE-lee/
A powerful name representing the roar of thunder.
- Mahina/mah-HEE-nah/
A luminous name that refers to the moon and the soft glow of moonlight.
- Pua Ena/POO-ah EH-nah/
Pua Ena literally translates to 'intensely hot flower' or 'glowing blossom' in the Hawaiian language.