Dalani

Meaning of Dalani

Dalani is a lilting three-syllable gem—dah-LAH-nee—that drifts in from Swahili shores, where names often celebrate a sense of place and belonging; loosely translated, Dalani can evoke “dwelling in peace” or “one who is at home.” Listeners sometimes hear Hawaiian echoes of Kalani (“the heavens”), giving the name an airy, sky-kissed vibe that only adds to its charm. Whatever etymology you favor, Dalani wraps a child in images of open skies and welcoming doorways, as if she were born with both wings and a cozy front porch. In the United States, the name is still delightfully uncommon—never cracking the top 800—but its gentle rise from just five girls in 2000 to 83 in 2024 hints that parents are quietly discovering its melody. Dalani fits a modern trend toward soft, vowel-rich names (think Aria or Elani) while retaining a dash of globe-trotting intrigue, perfect for families who want a name that feels both familiar and refreshingly off the beaten path.