Declining since 2021, #2,641 for boys today.
Popularity of Kanaan since 1990
Babies named Kanaan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 80 |
| 2000s | 202 |
| 2010s | 491 |
| 2020s | 420 |
Meaning & origin
Kanaan is a modern spelling variant of the biblical name Canaan, a name deeply tied to the ancient Promised Land. It first appeared on the U.S. Social Security baby names list in 1990, and its popularity reached a peak in 2020 when it ranked 2,641. As of 2025, the name has a 1 in 34,859 incidence among boys. Its usage has been trending downward since 2021. The name is most frequently given in North Carolina. While its etymology is debated, Kanaan appeals to parents who favor names with biblical resonance and a slightly unconventional spelling.
Kanaan is primarily a spelling variant of Canaan, the biblical Promised Land, itself of uncertain etymology. In Arabic, 'Kanaan' (كنعان) can also be traced to the word 'kana'an' meaning 'merchant' or 'trader', reflecting the historical Phoenician reputation for commerce. The name has been used in modern times, particularly in the United States, as a given name for boys, influenced by biblical and cultural associations.
Where Kanaan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kanaan” around the world
Where Kanaan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kane, Kai
Sibling names for Kanaan
Names that share Kanaan's style, for a brother or sister.
