Declining since 2015, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Kanav since 2006
Babies named Kanav per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 26 |
| 2010s | 95 |
| 2020s | 47 |
Meaning & origin
Kanav is a rare name in the United States, first recorded in 2006 and reaching its peak rank of 10,695 in 2012. Since 2015, its usage has been falling, and in the latest year (2025), it was given to about 1 in 284,679 boys. The name has not appeared in any top states, reflecting its very limited geographic spread. Its etymology likely traces to Sanskrit, and while it remains uncommon, it has been steadily used within Indian-American communities. The trajectory shows a decline from a modest peak, suggesting it has not gained broad mainstream appeal.
Kanav is likely derived from Sanskrit, possibly a variant of Kanhav or connected to 'kana' meaning 'grass' or 'reed'. It is a modern given name in India, often used in Punjabi and Hindu families. The name gained modest usage in the United States starting in the 2000s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kan, Kavi
Variants: Kanhav, Kannav
Sibling names for Kanav
Names that share Kanav's style, for a brother or sister.
