Kehlani

No single fixed meaning; associated with Hawaiian Kailani or Kalani.

Kehlani is a modern feminine name used in English. Its opening K gives it a clear point of departure, while the broad middle syllable and light -ni ending make the sound feel flowing. It may appeal if you enjoy a melodic name with a distinct beginning and an unhurried rhythm. Its Hawaiian connections need a little care. Kehlani is associated with both Kailani and Kalani: Kailani brings together words for sea and sky or heaven, while Kalani is interpreted as “the heavens”. Those are different constructions. Kehlani therefore does not have one securely fixed, word-for-word meaning, and “heavenly ocean” should not be treated as its guaranteed translation. One English pronunciation is kay-LAH-nee, /keɪ.ˈlɑː.ni/, with three syllables and the stress in the middle. The spelling alone may not tell every reader how you say the first vowel, so sharing your preferred pronunciation can be useful.

Etymology: A modern English-language variant associated with Kailani or Kalani. Hawaiian Kailani combines kai, “sea”, and lani, “sky” or “heaven”; Kalani combines ka, “the”, and lani and is interpreted as “the heavens”. These give Kehlani two possible connections rather than one certain literal translation.