Declining since 2018, #7,194 for boys today.
Popularity of Can since 1970
Babies named Can per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 12 |
| 1980s | 33 |
| 1990s | 85 |
| 2000s | 121 |
| 2010s | 203 |
| 2020s | 100 |
Meaning & origin
Can is a short, strong Turkish name with deep Persian roots, meaning 'soul' or 'life'. It has been steadily climbing in U.S. usage since first appearing in 1970, with a peak in 2018 when it ranked highest. As of 2025, it ranks 7,194th nationally, given to roughly 1 in 155,280 male newborns. While the name has seen a decline since 2018, its trajectory suggests it remains a distinctive choice within Turkish-American communities, with top state Florida reflecting concentrated popularity. Can's brevity and profound meaning make it a name that carries both cultural heritage and universal appeal.
Can is derived from the Persian word 'jan' (جان), meaning 'soul' or 'life'. It entered Turkish via Ottoman influence and has been used as a given name in Turkey since the mid-20th century. The name gained popularity in Turkish-speaking communities and also appears as a short form of longer names like Caner or Cansel.
Where Can is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Can” around the world
Where Can lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Can
Names that share Can's style, for a brother or sister.
