Kehlani, of African origin, means "the first fruit of the first harvest." It is derived from the Swahili word "kehalani," which signifies the beginning of a new season. This name has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and profound meaning. Pronounced as /kəˈlɑːni/, it consists of three syllables, giving it a melodic rhythm that rolls off the tongue easily. Kehlani is often associated with creativity, growth, and renewal, reflecting the spirit of its namesake who embodies the start of something beautiful and promising.
Kehlani has seen an increase and decrease in popularity over the past seven years, with a peak of ten babies named Kehlani in 2019, but recent years have seen numbers fall back down to around five births per year.