Laelani is a unique and beautiful given name of Hawaiian origin. Its meaning is deeply rooted in the culture and mythology of the Hawaiian Islands.
In Hawaiian, "lae" means "hips," and "lani" translates to "heaven." Thus, Laelani can be interpreted as "hips of heaven," which may symbolize strength and grace combined with a heavenly or divine connection. This interpretation could reflect the belief in the sacredness of the hips among ancient Hawaiians, who associated them with fertility, abundance, and life force.
The name Laelani also has historical significance in Hawaiian culture. It is often associated with Princess La`elaokalani (1836-1911), a member of the Hawaiian royal family and an accomplished musician and composer. She was known for her beautiful voice and her compositions that honored Hawaiian culture, history, and traditions. Through her works, she helped preserve Hawaiian music and language during a time when American influence threatened their extinction.
Today, Laelani continues to be a popular name among those seeking a unique and meaningful name with strong cultural ties. It is often given to daughters in hopes of instilling in them the strength, grace, and divine connection that the name represents, as well as the rich cultural heritage associated with it.
In summary, Laelani is a Hawaiian name that embodies strength, grace, and divine connection, while also being deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and history. Its association with Princess La`elaokalani further enhances its significance and appeal for those seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child.
The name Laelani has seen varying popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 253 births recorded between 2003 and 2023.
In the early years of this period, from 2003 to 2006, the number of babies named Laelani was relatively low, with only 6 births in 2003, 10 in 2004, 9 in 2005, and 5 in 2006. However, starting from 2007, there was a noticeable increase in the popularity of this name.
From 2007 to 2014, the number of births for Laelani fluctuated between 8 and 13 per year, with peaks in 2008 (12 births) and 2013 (13 births). This trend continued into the next decade, with a significant increase in popularity starting from 2020.
In 2020, there were 18 babies named Laelani, marking the highest number of births for this name since 2003. This record was then surpassed in 2022, with 25 births, indicating a growing trend in recent years.
Overall, while Laelani may not have been one of the most popular names in the United States over the past two decades, its popularity has shown steady growth and reached a significant peak in recent years.