Declining since 2019, #2,207 for boys today.
Popularity of Canon since 1971
Babies named Canon per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 14 |
| 1980s | 61 |
| 1990s | 206 |
| 2000s | 810 |
| 2010s | 1,104 |
| 2020s | 556 |
Meaning & origin
Canon entered U.S. naming records in 1971 and has seen modest but sustained use, particularly in the 2010s. Its peak year was 2019, when it ranked higher than in any other year, but its popularity has fallen since, reflecting a trajectory of decline. In 2025, about 1 in every 26,689 newborn boys was named Canon, placing it at rank 2207. The name is most common in Alabama, Texas, and California. As a surname-turned-first-name, Canon fits a modern trend of occupational and honorific names, offering a clean, strong sound that appeals to parents seeking a name with both religious and intellectual resonance.
Canon is derived from the Greek 'kanon', meaning 'measuring rod' or 'standard', and via Latin 'canon' (rule) and Old English, it came to refer to the clergy serving a cathedral. As a given name, it emerged as a surname transferred to first name, particularly used in English-speaking countries from the late 20th century. It shares roots with the title for a member of a cathedral chapter and echoes the idea of a guiding principle.
Where Canon is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Cannon
Sibling names for Canon
Names that share Canon's style, for a brother or sister.
