Rani

What does Rani mean?

Rani means ‘queen’ in Hindi. Wiktionary traces it through earlier Hindi and Prakrit to Sanskrit rājñī, the feminine counterpart of ‘king’, and records the given name. The Sanskrit origin is therefore historical, while Rani is the familiar Hindi form. Related forms occur in Bengali, Punjabi and Marathi. Its royal meaning is direct, and its use as a title provides a separate historical context for the personal name.

Source: Wiktionary, रानी. How we use sources.

Spelling and pronunciation

रानी is read raa-nee, in two syllables with long vowels. Raani marks the opening length, while Ranee is another Roman form. Hindi uses a plain n; related Marathi and Punjabi forms use an n made with the tongue curled back, so regional readings need not be identical.

Also spelled Ranee, Raani.

Rani in tradition and story

Rani is a title for queens and rulers' wives, seen in names such as Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi. Rani Padmini carries the same title in legend. Its use as a given name brings that royal vocabulary into personal naming.