Lanny is an American given name of Welsh origin, meaning 'harmony' or 'grace'. It is often associated with the Welsh surname Llanelli, which translates to 'church in the elm grove'. The name Lanny gained popularity as a masculine given name in the United States during the early 20th century. Notable individuals named Lanny include American jazz musician Lanny Morgan and Canadian ice hockey player Lanny McDonald.
"Lanny experienced its peak popularity with 7 births in 1952. The name's usage has generally fluctuated between 5 and 6 births per year since then, with a noticeable dip after 1954 until re-emerging in the late 20th century."