Kehlani: Name’s Meaning, Popularity, Origins, Nicknames, Sibling Names & More

Kehlani

Kehlani, a name that sings with the melody of the natural world, has solidly claimed its spot among the favored names for girls.

In this post, we’re going to explore:

  • The name meaning of Kehlani
  • Popularity
  • Nicknames
  • Sibling Names
  • Famous People
  • and More!

Kehlani Name Meaning

A colorful and vibrant depiction of the name "Kehlani" surrounded by symbols of love, strength, and resilience. The name is highlighted in bold, flowing script, with an array of flowers and waves in the background

The name Kehlani has a pleasant ring to it and a meaning related to nature’s beauty. It comes from Hawaiian language and is made up of two parts:

  • Ka: This means “the” when translated.
  • Lani: This Hawaiian word means “heaven” or “sky“.

When put together, the name Kehlani is often understood to mean “sea and sky” or “heaven and sea”. Some interpretations also suggest the meaning as just “heaven” or “ocean”.

Kehlani gained attention and widespread use after R&B singer Kehlani Parrish rose to fame. Her music and presence in the public eye helped make the name more known and loved.

Kehlani’s meaning is linked not only to the words it comes from but also to Hawaiian culture. In Hawaii, the connection between the sea, sky, and heaven is important. The name Kehlani captures that special relationship.

Lastly, Kehlani’s spelling and sound give it a modern and creative flavor. This could be one reason why the name has recently become more popular across the United States. It sounds fresh and resonates with contemporary naming trends.

How Popular Is The Name Kehlani

A colorful chart displays the popularity and meaning of the name "Kehlani." Origins, nicknames, and sibling names are also listed

Kehlani is a unique name that has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years. This name made its first appearance in the US Top 1000 names in 2016.

The rise in popularity can be linked to the influence of R&B singer Kehlani Ashley Parrish. Since then, the name Kehlani has become a favorite for many parents.

In terms of its ranking, Kehlani jumped sharply in the charts. Specifically, it made an impressive leap from its initial entry into the top 1,000 to breaking into the top 200 by 2020. This growth in popularity reflects its appeal as a modern and memorable name option for girls.

The trend shows that Kehlani is now much more popular than many of its variant spellings, such as Kalani. Its popularity peaked notably in April 2018, according to Google search data analysis.

This interest can be tied to cultural influences, as names from various backgrounds, including Hawaiian like names, have been gaining traction in the United States.

Here’s the popularity of Kehlani as depicted by the Social Security Administration data:

  • 2016: Entered the US Top 1000
  • 2020: Reached top 200

The name Kehlani continues to attract attention from parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughters.

Common Kehlani Name Variations

A colorful chart displays variations of the name Kehlani, its meaning, popularity, origins, nicknames, and sibling names

  1. Kehlanie: Adding an ‘e’ at the end for a slight twist on the pronunciation, making it sound more feminine.
  2. Kahlani: A variation that shifts the first letter, offering a unique spelling while retaining the original sound.
  3. Keilani: Modifying the middle part of the name for a different phonetic appeal, yet it remains beautifully resonant.
  4. Keylani: This version uses ‘y’ to add a modern twist to the traditional name.
  5. Kehlannie: Doubling the ‘n’ and adding ‘ie’ at the end for an elaborated, ornate version of Kehlani.

Names Similar To Kehlani

A colorful name chart with "Kehlani" at the center, surrounded by related names, meanings, origins, and popularity rankings

  1. Leilani: Sharing the ‘lani’ suffix, Leilani evokes a heavenly flower garden in Hawaiian, mirroring Kehlani’s natural beauty.
  2. Alani: A name that captures the warmth of the orange tree, Alani shares a similar Hawaiian origin and melodious sound.
  3. Kalani: Meaning ‘the heavens’, Kalani resonates with Kehlani’s ethereal quality and Hawaiian roots.
  4. Nalani: This name means ‘calm skies’, and shares the ‘lani’ suffix, echoing Kehlani’s serene and natural imagery.
  5. Melani: With a similar melodic rhythm, Melani brings to mind the Greek for ‘black, dark’, offering depth and beauty.
  6. Ailani: Meaning ‘high chief’ in Hawaiian, Ailani shares Kehlani’s strong and distinctive presence.
  7. Ilani: A name meaning ‘tree’, Ilani captures a similar connection to nature and the outdoors.
  8. Noelani: Translating to ‘mist of heaven’, Noelani complements Kehlani with its poetic and ethereal connotations.

Common Nicknames For Kehlani

A colorful name plate with "Kehlani" written in bold letters, surrounded by various nicknames like "Keh" and "Lani." A chart showing the name's popularity and origins is displayed nearby

  1. Kehl: A short, sweet form that captures the essence of Kehlani in a single syllable.
  2. Lani: Emphasizing the soft and lyrical ‘lani’ ending, making for a beautiful, standalone nickname.
  3. Kiki: A playful and affectionate nickname, adding a vibrant and energetic twist.
  4. Lana: Reversing the last part of Kehlani for a smooth, simple nickname that stands on its own.
  5. Kai: Inspired by the first sound of Kehlani, Kai is a strong, concise option with a natural spirit.
  6. Nani: In Hawaiian, ‘nani’ means ‘beautiful’, making this nickname perfectly fitting for someone named Kehlani.

Sibling Name Ideas For Kehlani

A colorful family tree with the names Kehlani and her siblings, along with their meanings, origins, and popularity rankings

When choosing a sibling name for Kehlani, one might consider names that also have a Hawaiian or nature-inspired theme. These names often evoke a sense of beauty and harmony, similar to the meaning of Kehlani, which is associated with the sea and sky.

Boys:

  • Kai: This name means “sea” and complements the aquatic element of Kehlani.
  • Liko: Meaning “leaf,” Liko can reflect nature just as Kehlani does.
  • Kanoa: It signifies “the free one,” embracing the open and free nature of the sky and sea.

Girls:

  • Leilani: This beautiful name means “heavenly flowers,” which pairs well with Kehlani’s sky element.
  • Kailani: Combines “kai,” meaning sea, with “lani,” meaning sky or heaven.
  • Moana: With a meaning of “ocean,” it closely relates to the seaside aspect of Kehlani.

For either gender, names that carry a celestial or natural significance can blend nicely with Kehlani. Here they are listed together:

  • Ocean
  • Sky
  • Sunny
  • Star

Famous People Named Kehlani

A colorful collage of the name "Kehlani" surrounded by symbols of popularity, origins, and nicknames, creating a vibrant and dynamic composition

One notable person with the name Kehlani is Kehlani Ashley Parrish. She is known simply as Kehlani. She is an American singer and songwriter.

Her music is R&B and pop. She was born in Oakland, California, in 1995.

Kehlani’s career began with the teen group Poplyfe, which was on the TV show America’s Got Talent.

As a solo artist, Kehlani has released mixtapes and albums. Some people love her music for its honest lyrics and smooth sound.

Kehlani has been nominated for Grammy Awards. She is also an LGBTQ+ advocate. She uses her fame to help others and talk about important issues.

Not many famous people have the name Kehlani. It is a unique name.

People often think of the singer Kehlani when they hear this name.

People love her not just for her music. They also love what she does to make the world better. She shows that being unique and true to yourself is good.

Written by Gabriel Cruz - Foodie, Animal Lover, Slang & Language Enthusiast

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