Elani is a modern name of uncertain origin, usually read as a variant of the Greek Eleni, the form of Helen that means "torch" or "light", though in the United States it also rides on the sound of Hawaiian-style names such as Leilani and Alani. It is short, melodic and new enough to feel fresh. Elani has risen quickly, from number 2691 in 2015 into the top 1000 in 2024 and up to number 844 in 2025, its best rank so far.