| Meaning | mighty, powerful |
| Origin | African, Swahili |
| Gender | gender neutral |
| Opposite gender | Jelani |
| Popularity | Moderate |
| Length | 6 |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Syllabification | Je-la-ni |
Jelani radiates with Swahili heritage and African cultural pride, meaning "mighty" in its original context. This name carries power and dignity, connecting families with East African linguistic traditions and broader Pan-African identity. Jelani sounds both strong and beautiful, balancing masculine energy with melodic syllables that create pleasing phonetic flow. The name gained broader awareness through various public figures, helping it cross cultural boundaries while maintaining its distinctive character. Parents selecting Jelani often value cultural heritage and want their children's names to reflect pride in African roots. The name works internationally while remaining unique in many Western contexts, ensuring the bearer will stand out without requiring constant explanation. Jelani possesses a modern feel despite its traditional origins, fitting comfortably in contemporary naming landscapes. The three-syllable structure gives it substance and presence without becoming cumbersome. This name ages exceptionally well, suitable for an active child and equally fitting for an accomplished adult. For families seeking names that celebrate African heritage while being accessible across different cultural contexts, Jelani offers an inspiring choice that combines meaningful tradition with contemporary style and undeniable strength.
| Jalani |
| Jelanni |
| Jelano |
| Jel |
| Lani |
| Lan |
| JL |
| Jelani Cobb | American historian and author |
| Jelani Maraj | Brother of rapper Nicki Minaj |
| Jelani McCoy | Former American NBA player |
| Jelani Gardner | American basketball player |
| Jelani Janisse | Trinidadian footballer |
| Jelani Lateef | American hip-hop artist |
| Jelani Williams | Barbadian cricketer |
| Jelani Day | American student and civil rights activist |
| Jelani Alladin | American actor and singer |
| Jelani Greenidge | American author and pastor |
| Jelani Hewitt | American basketball player |
| Jelani Orr | American football player |
| Jelani Remy | American actor and singer |
| Jelani Jenkins | American football player |
| Jelani Beckles | Trinidadian footballer |
| Jelani Vincent | Saint Kitts and Nevis footballer |
| Jelani Foss-Solomon | American football player |
| Jelani Currie | Australian basketball player |
| Jelani Eddington | American theatre organist |
| Jelani Johnson | Character in a fantasy novel series |
| Jelani Ahmed | Protagonist in a coming-of-age fiction book |
| Jelani Black | Space explorer in a sci-fi movie |
| Jelani Steele | Pirate captain in a swashbuckling adventure tale |
| Jelani Kingston | Wizard in a fantasy role-playing video game |
| Jelani Walker | Superhero with telekinetic powers in a comic book series |
| Jelani Hart | Genius inventor in a steampunk novel |
| Jelani Mitchell | Time traveler in a science fiction TV show |
| Jelani Vance | Musician and main character in a romance novel |
| Jelani Blaze | Fire-controlling hero in a graphic novel |
| Jelani Steel | Cyberpunk hacker in a dystopian video game |
| Jelani Drake | Vampire protagonist in a supernatural book series |
| Jelani Hunter | Werewolf character in a fantasy RPG |
| Jelani Fox | Racing driver in a sports-themed movie |
| Jelani Rivers | Time-traveling adventurer in a children's novel |
| Jelani Stone | Detective in a noir mystery graphic novel |
| Jelani Knight | Samurai warrior in an anime series |