Kailani

Kailani is a Hawaiian and English feminine given name. It derives from the Hawaiian elements kai meaning "ocean, sea" and lani meaning "sky, heaven," evoking imagery of the vast natural world. The name has gained popularity in the United States since the 2010s, entering the top 1,000 names for newborn girls in 2013 and rising into the top 300 from 2020 onward.

Etymology and Variation

Kailani exemplifies Hawaiian naming traditions that connect to nature. Related Anglicized spellings include Kaylani and Kehlani, which are also commonly used in the United States.

Cultural Significance

The name reflects the Hawaiian value of connection to the environment, with the ocean and sky central to island life.

• Meaning: "ocean and sky"
• Origin: Hawaiian
• Type: First name, feminine
• Usage regions: Hawaiian, English (especially in the United States)