Leilani

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Hawaiian Leilani.

Proper noun

Leilani

1. A female given name from Hawaiian.
   • 1934, Harry Owens, Sweet Leilani (a song):

     Sweet Leilani, Heavenly Flower
     I dreamed of a paradise for two.

Hawaiian

Etymology

lei (“a lei; a child”) + lani (“heavenly, royal”); "heavenly lei, royal child".

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /lei̯ˈla.ni/, [lejˈlɐ.ni]

Proper noun

Leilani

1. a female or (rarely) male given name from Hawaiian, popular since the end of the 19th century

Related terms

• Lani
• Lei
• Kaleiokalani

References

• Mary Kawena Pukui - Samuel Elbert, Hawaiian Dictionary, University of Hawaii Press 1986, page 200
• Hawaii State Archives: Marriage records The name does not appear in 19th century marriage records. Early examples:

  Leilani Mossman (female), married in 1912, Honolulu

  Edward Leilani Paaluhi, married in 1913, Molokai

• Social Security Administration: Popular Baby Names by State: Leilani was included in the top hundred first names for girls born in the State of Hawaii in 1961-1963 and 1967-2007.