Leni
A unisex name of German origin, meaning bright; a form of Helene or Magdalene.
Leni by the numbers
In 2025, 78 babies in England and Wales were named Leni. In the US, 55 were, though that figure is from 2017, the most recent full year we hold.
For the size of the two countries, it is given several times more often in England and Wales than in the US.
Its best year in America so far is the most recent one on record, which means it was still climbing when the records end.
Other names that come from Magdalene
Like Leni, each of these traces back to Magdalene: a form of it, a name built from it, or a son or daughter of it. Not always the same sex.
- Madelinefrom Magdala; a form of Magdalene2,938 in the US (2017)
- Madelynnwoman of Magdala; a form of Magdalene685 in the US (2017)
- Madalynwoman from magdala; a form of Magdalene448 in the US (2017)
- Marlenebeloved; a form of Magdalene191 in the US (2017)
- Magdalenefrom Magdala, a town in Galilee109 in the US (2017)
- Maddilynnwoman from Magdala; a modern respelling of Madelynn or Magdalene54 in the US (2017)
- Madalinefrom Magdala; a form of Magdalene41 in the US (2017)
- Maddalenaof magdala or tower; a form of Magdalene28 in the US (2017)
Spelled almost the same
Other names in the records within a letter or two of Leni. Close spellings are not always related names, but they are usually worth seeing together.
Sounds like Leni
Names that are said the same way as Leni, however they are written. Sounding alike does not mean they share a history.
Other names that mean light
Like Leni, each of these has light in its meaning. Different names, different histories, the same idea.
- Lucasbringer of light; from Lucania12,963 in the US (2017)
- Lukefrom Lucania; light9,168 in the US (2017)
- Norahonour, light6,036 in the US (2017)
- Eleanorshining light5,519 in the US (2017)
- Robertbright fame; renowned warrior5,507 in the US (2017)
- Ellieshining light; short for Eleanor5,000 in the US (2017)
Names about as common as Leni
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