Origin and Meaning of Lei

Flower wreath; a gift; a blessing

Origin: Hawaiian - In Hawaiian culture, 'lei' refers to a garland or wreath, often made from flowers, leaves, or shells, symbolizing affection and compassion.

• Leis are an important part of Hawaiian culture, often given as gifts during celebrations, such as graduations, weddings, and luaus.
• In Hawaiian tradition, the giving and receiving of a lei represents the Aloha spirit, symbolizing love, friendship, and goodwill.
• Notable people with the name Lei include Lei Yixin, a renowned Chinese artist and sculptor, and Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi Corporation.
• Although originally more common in Hawaii, the name Lei has been increasingly adopted globally and is sometimes used as a unisex name.
• Variations of the name include Leila (Arabic, Persian) and Leah (Hebrew), though these names have different meanings and cultural significance.