MallowbyNames

Cannan

KAN-ən · Derived from the biblical land of Canaan, often interpreted as 'lowland' or 'humble', but the exact meaning is uncertain.

2025 rank (boys)
#12,008
Babies named in 2025
5
Peak popularity
2020
2025 frequency
1 in 341,615 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2019

Declining since 2019, #12,008 for boys today.

Popularity of Cannan since 1998

Babies named Cannan per year in U.S. Social Security records.

81725200020102020Most births 2020Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1990s6
2000s71
2010s124
2020s75

Meaning & origin

Cannan is a modern given name with biblical roots, derived from the ancient land of Canaan. First recorded in 1998, it remains a rare choice. According to U.S. Social Security data, the name reached its peak rank of 12,008 in 2020, though it has been falling in popularity since 2019. In the most recent year (2025), approximately 1 in 341,615 newborns were named Cannan. The name is primarily used for boys and has not been concentrated in any particular state. Its rarity and biblical connection make it a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with historical and geographical significance.

Cannan is a modern given name derived from the place name Canaan, the ancient region in the Near East mentioned in the Bible. The biblical land of Canaan is referenced in the Old Testament, and the name may have been adopted as a first name in the late 20th century. It is also a variant spelling of Canaan, which is occasionally used in English-speaking countries.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Can, Canny

Variants: Canaan, Kanan

Sibling names for Cannan

Names that share Cannan's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Eden, Hadassah, Shiloh, Noa, Zion

Brothers: Elijah, Isaac, Levi, Micah, Noah

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Cannan, our favorite little boy.

C is for Cannan…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Cannan's letter becomes Cannan's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Cannan's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Cannan mean?
Cannan is derived from the biblical land of Canaan, often interpreted as 'lowland' or 'humble', though the exact meaning is uncertain.
How popular is the name Cannan?
As of the most recent data (2025), Cannan ranked 12,008th in popularity, with approximately 1 in 341,615 newborns given the name.
Is Cannan a boy's name or a girl's name?
Cannan is most commonly used as a boy's name, though it can be unisex.