Hani

Happy or delighted, in the Arabic naming tradition.

Hani is an Arabic masculine name usually understood as “happy” or “delighted”. Its root belongs to a family of words connected with enjoyment and pleasure. That meaning gives the name a cheerful association. The fuller Arabic spelling is هانئ, pronounced /ˈhaː.niʔ/, with a final hamza: a brief closure of the voice. The familiar spelling هاني reflects a lightened form. Latin Hani does not show that distinction, so a person’s own pronunciation is the useful guide. The long opening vowel and soft h can give Hani a calm, open sound. Its brief shape keeps the happiness meaning understated: for someone drawn to an Arabic name with warmth rather than grandeur, that balance may be part of its appeal.

Etymology: Arabic masculine name linked to the root هنأ and enjoyment; هاني is a lightened form of هانئ.