Kelani
How to say it: keh-LAH-nee · /kɛˈlɑni/
From Hawaiian kai 'sea' + lani 'sky, heaven' meaning 'heavenly sea' - also modern US use.
Kelani was the 1,232nd most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 137 babies (Social Security Administration). The 2020s are its busiest decade so far, its births are up 3.3-fold in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #1,143 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #1,232 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 137 |
| Share of births | 1 in 24,199 |
| Peak decade | 2020s |
| Change over 10 years | ×3.3 |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #1,143 |
| In France, 2025 | #2,541 among girls’ names, 5 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Emerging only in recent decades, Kelani arrived at its high in the 2020s. Now at its peak, continued increase is anticipated.
What goes with it
Airy and lilting with soft island music, Kelani feels gentle and nature touched. Malia shares its mood well.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Kelani is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English.
In France: #2,541 for girls in 2025.
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