Kamani Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: kah-MAH-nee //kəˈmɑːni//
Origin: Hawaiian; Sanskrit
Meaning: Hawaiian: 'the one who is a chief'; Sanskrit: 'earth'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Kamani has its roots in the Hawaiian language, where it is derived from the word "kamani," which refers to the candlenut tree (Aleurites molucanna). This tree is significant in Hawaiian culture, not only for its practical uses—such as producing oil for lighting—but also for its symbolic associations with strength and resilience.
The name's etymology reflects a connection to nature and the environment, which is a prominent theme in many Hawaiian names, often reflecting the beauty and resources of the islands. Historically, the use of Kamani as a name can be traced back to the rich oral traditions of the Hawaiian people, where names often carried deep meanings and were bestowed with care.
The significance of names in Hawaiian culture is profound, as they often reflect lineage, history, and the natural world. While specific historical milestones for the name Kamani are not extensively documented, the broader context of Hawaiian naming practices can be observed through the influence of European contact in the 18th century, which led to the transcription of Hawaiian names into written form and their incorporation into broader cultural narratives.
Culturally, Kamani embodies the values of the Hawaiian people, emphasizing a connection to the land and the importance of natural elements. The candlenut tree itself has been used in traditional Hawaiian practices, including in the making of lei and other ceremonial items, further enhancing the name's resonance within the culture.
The name may also have variations or diminutive forms, reflecting the affectionate and familial nature of Hawaiian naming customs. Overall, Kamani stands as a name that encapsulates the essence of Hawaiian heritage, linking individuals to their cultural roots and the natural world.
Famous people named Kamani
In this section, you will find notable people named Kamani. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Kamani who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Kamani who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Kamani Marley is a musician best known for his work in reggae and as a member of the Marley family.
Kamani Johnson is a professional basketball player known for his time with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Kamani, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Kamani was first seen in the United States in 1991.
Kamani has ranked as high as #3074 nationally, which occurred in 2025, and has been most popular in North Carolina, New York, Florida, Texas, and New Jersey.
In the past 5 years the name Kamani has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Kamani is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Kamani was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Kamani.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 123 | 35 | 88 |
| 2024 | 98 | 28 | 70 |
| 2023 | 92 | 27 | 65 |
| 2022 | 95 | 23 | 72 |
| 2021 | 108 | 40 | 68 |
| 2020 | 96 | 25 | 71 |
| 2019 | 82 | 26 | 56 |
| 2018 | 54 | 13 | 41 |
| 2017 | 54 | 16 | 38 |
| 2016 | 70 | 26 | 44 |
| 2015 | 51 | 21 | 30 |
| 2014 | 64 | 25 | 39 |
| 2013 | 54 | 19 | 35 |
| 2012 | 91 | 41 | 50 |
| 2011 | 78 | 30 | 48 |
| 2010 | 92 | 33 | 59 |
| 2009 | 75 | 25 | 50 |
| 2008 | 71 | 18 | 53 |
| 2007 | 68 | 33 | 35 |
| 2006 | 63 | 31 | 32 |
| 2005 | 48 | 20 | 28 |
| 2004 | 51 | 20 | 31 |
| 2003 | 46 | 20 | 26 |
| 2002 | 29 | 16 | 13 |
| 2001 | 38 | 20 | 18 |
| 2000 | 33 | 12 | 21 |
| 1999 | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| 1998 | 27 | 17 | 10 |
| 1997 | 19 | 14 | 5 |
| 1996 | 13 | 13 | 0 |
| 1995 | 22 | 11 | 11 |
| 1994 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| 1993 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 1992 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1991 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
Top States for Kamani (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| GA | 8 | |
| TX | 8 | |
| LA | 6 | |
| NC | 6 | |
| SC | 5 |