Meilani

Meilani is a modern name whose precise formation is not firmly established. It resembles names such as Leilani and Melanie, but those similarities do not prove that it has a traditional Hawaiian meaning or inherits Melanie’s Greek meaning. A confident translation such as “dark” would therefore overstate what is known about this particular form.

The name became more visible through television personality Jenni Farley’s use of it for her daughter, although visibility does not by itself establish who first created a name. Mei and Lani are possible shortenings drawn from its spelling. Families can value Meilani’s sound without needing to attach an unsupported ancient translation or origin story.