How to say it
mi · LA · ni
/miˈlɑː.ni/
Feminine
Milani
From Milan; gracious, dear
What it means
A modern name tied to the Italian city Milan and to the Slavic name Milan, from mil, 'gracious, dear.'
Milani rides two roots. It echoes Milan, the Italian fashion city that grew from the Roman Mediolanum, and the Slavic name Milan, which comes from mil, 'gracious' or 'dear.' In American use it is a fresh, melodic girls' name lifted by the trendy -ani sound it shares with Amani and Imani. The makeup brand Milani gives it extra polish. Stress the middle, mi-LAH-nee.
Popularity over time
peaked at #235 in 2022, currently #288 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–present. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Spelling
Shares the bright -ani sound with Amani and Imani.
- Pop culture
Also the name of the Milani cosmetics brand.
Spelling variants
- Milana
- Melani
- Mylani