Declining since 2005, #6,803 for boys today.
Popularity of Kani since 1993
Babies named Kani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 24 | 76 |
| 2000s | 91 | 294 |
| 2010s | 84 | 183 |
| 2020s | 63 | 99 |
Meaning & origin
Kani is a unisex name with multiple possible origins, including Japanese and Hawaiian, contributing to its appeal across different cultures. First recorded in the U.S. in 1993, it reached its peak popularity in 2006 but has since declined in use. In 2025, it ranked 6,803rd, with about 1 in 142,340 newborns receiving the name. Its trajectory has been falling since 2005. The name's simplicity and melodic sound make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a short, cross-cultural name.
Kani has multiple possible origins. In Japanese, it can mean 'crab' (蟹) and be used as a surname or given name. In Hawaiian, kani means 'sound' or 'echo', and is used as a unisex name. It may also be a modern coinage in other cultures. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1993 and saw peak usage in 2006.
“Kani” around the world
Where Kani lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Kani
Names that share Kani's style, for a brother or sister.
