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- Hekili/heh-KEE-lee/
A powerful name representing the roar of thunder.
- Kailani/ky-LAH-nee/
A classic name representing the beauty of the sea and the heavens.
- Iolana/ee-oh-LAH-nah/
A graceful and uplifting name meaning to soar like a hawk.
- Kanoelani/kah-no-eh-LAH-nee/
This name translates to the heavenly mist, representing a peaceful and ethereal presence.
- Mālie/MAH-lee-eh/
A beautiful name meaning calm or serene, suggesting a gentle and balanced nature.
- Kanoa/kah-NOH-ah/
A name signifying a person who is free or the free one.
- Pua Ena/POO-ah EH-nah/
Pua Ena literally translates to 'intensely hot flower' or 'glowing blossom' in the Hawaiian language.
- Makoa/muh-KOH-uh/
A courageous name that describes a man who is brave and fearless.