Declining since 2022, #1,602 for boys today.
Popularity of Canyon since 1972
Babies named Canyon per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 39 |
| 1980s | 0 | 50 |
| 1990s | 10 | 505 |
| 2000s | 82 | 1,301 |
| 2010s | 95 | 1,130 |
| 2020s | 72 | 802 |
Meaning & origin
Canyon is a nature-inspired word name that has been in use as a given name since 1972, drawing on the Spanish-derived term for a deep gorge. It experienced a notable rise in popularity during the 2010s and early 2020s, reaching its peak rank of 1602 in 2021. Since 2022, its use has been falling, though it remains a distinctive choice. In the most recent year, 2025, roughly 1 in 16,114 newborn boys was named Canyon. The name has been especially well received in Western states such as Utah, Arizona, and Washington, reflecting the regional landscape. Canyon fits a broader trend of outdoor, nature-connected names like River and Aspen.
Canyon is derived from the Spanish word cañón, meaning 'tube' or 'gorge', which entered English through American exploration of the western territories. As a given name, it emerged in the late 20th century as part of a trend of nature-inspired word names, particularly popular in the Mountain West states.
Where Canyon is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Canyn
Sibling names for Canyon
Names that share Canyon's style, for a brother or sister.
