Malani

Updated: December 10, 2021 by MomsWhoThink Staff

Malani is a fairly new name with Hawaiian influence, and it's quickly rising up the list of the top 1,000 baby names for girls in the United States. It's got a pretty flowing sound, and it pairs well with most middle names. Its exact meaning and origin aren't known, but that hasn't stopped new parents from choosing it in droves in recent years.

Meaning of the name Malani:

American: Heavenly, no meaning

Origin of the name Malani:

While Malani sounds like it has Hawaiian or Polynesian origins, it's most likely a made-up American name. It does have Hawaiian influence, though. The popularity of the Hawaiian baby name Leilani sparked a number of similar-sounding names over the last few years. This was one was most likely influenced by names like Melanie, or it could have been inspired by political figures, like First Lady Melania Trump or First Daughter Malia Obama.

Symbolism of the name Malani:

Malani doesn't have a specific meaning or symbolism since it's a modern made-up name, but the element “lani” means “heaven” or “heavenly” in Hawaiian. So, you could argue that the name symbolizes heaven or something heavenly. It's also a good choice to honor Hawaiian heritage or a passion for travel to Hawaii.

Style of the name Malani:

Modern, New Age

Gender of the name Malani:

Malani is a girl's name.

Pronunciation of the name Malani:

mah-LAH-nee

Number of syllables in the name Malani:

Three

Emotion evoked from the name Malani:

The baby name Malani evokes images of someone who is quiet and polite.

Alternative spellings for the name Malani:

Melani
Malaneigh
Malanee

Nicknames for the name Malani:

Mal
Lani
Mallie

Popularity of the name Malani:

Malani is a baby name on the rise. It first hit the list of the top 1,000 baby names for girls in the United States in 2017. It ranked at 922 that year and has been on the chart ever since. According to the Social security Administration, it last ranked at number 495 in 2020.