Leni Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Leni originated from the German diminutive of Helena, which itself comes from Greek, meaning 'light' or 'torch'. The name has evolved through various forms, maintaining its association with brightness. While it has no biblical relevance, Leni has gained contemporary popularity as a friendly name. Notable figures with this name include Leni Riefenstahl and Leni Klum.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Leni"
Pronunciation
/ˈleɪni/
Origin
German
Etymology
Leni is a diminutive form of the name Helena, which has roots in the Greek word 'helene' meaning 'torch' or 'light'.
Meaning
light, torch
Language Evolution
Helena, Elena, Leni
Historical Usage
Leni gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in German-speaking countries as a friendly, informal version of Helena.
Variants & Derivatives
Helena, Elena, Leena
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Leni is perceived as a modern and charming name, often associated with warmth and friendliness.
Famous People
Leni Riefenstahl, a notable German film director and actress., Leni Klum, a model and television personality.
📊 Leni Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Leni Name Visualizations
✨ Leni Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 208 peak births in 2023
Geographic Spread
Popular across 25 US states, with strongest presence in North Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Leni" - Complete Guide (22 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Leni". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 22 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Leni" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Leni"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Leni"
"Leni" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 20994th of 24088 | 10 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 17359th of 23106 | 17 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 4250th of 9204 | 81 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3807th of 12526 | 194 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 8515th of 19264 | 66 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 15798th of 27321 | 35 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 8127th of 35406 | 215 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2035th of 30306 | 1,147 |
Regional Popularity of "Leni" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Leni" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
86.05% 1339th/1556 |
- |
84.16% 1302nd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
87.41% 2124th/2430 |
- | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
68.63% 3544th/5164 |
- |
73.66% 5497th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
33.51% 1335th/3984 |
42.14% 1891st/4487 |
46.22% 3153rd/6822 |
34.99% 2196th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Leni"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Leni" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Leni" in the United States
The name Leni is most popular in North Dakota, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Leni has been stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Leni' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 20994th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 17359th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4250th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3807th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8515th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 15798th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8127th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2035th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Leni' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.