Nalani

/nah-LAH-nee/

Nalani is a Hawaiian girl's name pronounced /nah-LAH-nee/. A melodic name meaning the heavens or the quiet skies.

Meaning of Nalani

A melodic name meaning the heavens or the quiet skies.

Nalani is a traditional Hawaiian name derived from the elements 'nā', which is the definite plural article, and 'lani', meaning sky, heaven, or royal. It is translated as 'the heavens' or 'the quiet skies,' reflecting the profound connection between the natural world and spiritual realms in Polynesian culture.

Origin
Hawaiian
Pronunciation
/nah-LAH-nee/

Cultural background

In Hawaii, the name remains a popular choice for girls, often symbolizing peace and serenity. While historically associated with nobility due to the 'lani' suffix, it is now widely used across the United States and within the Hawaiian diaspora.

Variations & nicknames

  • Nalanie
  • Nalany
  • Lani
  • Nala
  • Nalaney

Famous people named Nalani

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Nalani Kanaka'ole

    Renowned kumu hula and cultural educator

    Dance and Cultural Preservation · 1940s-present

  • Nalani Quintello

    Singer and former lead vocalist for the U.S. Air Force band Max Impact

    Music · 2010s-present

  • Nalani & Sarina

    Nalani Bolt, one half of the American soul-rock duo

    Music · 2010s-present

Frequently asked about Nalani

What does Nalani mean?
Nalani is a Hawaiian name meaning 'the heavens' or 'the quiet skies.'
How do you pronounce Nalani?
It is typically pronounced nah-LAH-nee.
Is Nalani a boy or girl name?
Nalani is primarily used as a girl's name.
Is Nalani a rare name?
While common in Hawaii, Nalani is considered a unique and exotic name in the broader United States, consistently appearing in the top 1000 girl names over the last few decades.

Love Nalani? Get more names like it

We'll email you 5 fresh Hawaiian names each week — free, no spam.

Compare Nalani with…

Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.

More Hawaiian names

See all Hawaiian names