Declining since 2010, #4,396 for boys today.
Popularity of Kanoa since 1971
Babies named Kanoa per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2010, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kanoa's real moment was 2023.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 21 |
| 1980s | 26 |
| 1990s | 87 |
| 2000s | 268 |
| 2010s | 300 |
| 2020s | 165 |
Meaning & origin
Kanoa is a Hawaiian name meaning 'the free one' that has seen modest but growing use in the United States since its first recorded appearance in 1971. It reached its peak rank of 4,396 in 2023, but by 2025 it had fallen slightly, consistent with a falling trajectory since 2010. In 2025, about 1 in every 74,264 newborn boys received the name. The name is most popular in California, reflecting its Hawaiian heritage and the state's large Pacific Islander community. As a short, vowel-rich name with a pleasant meaning, Kanoa fits well with modern trends favoring nature-inspired and culturally meaningful names.
Kanoa derives from the Hawaiian word 'ka' (the) and 'noa' (free, without restriction). In Hawaiian culture, the concept of noa is associated with freedom from kapu (taboo) restrictions. The name has been used in Hawaii and has gained some popularity in the mainland United States since the late 20th century.
Where Kanoa is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kano, Noah
Sibling names for Kanoa
Names that share Kanoa's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kehlani, Malia, Leilani, Nalani, Moana, Aloha, Anuhea, Aulani, Kahlani, Kailani, Kaiulani, Kalani, Kalei, Kalena, Kaloni, Kanani, Kania, Keala, Kealani, Keilana, Lalani, Lelani, Mahealani, Mele, Nailani, Ulani, Hanalei, Kahealani, Kaina, Kamalani, Kawena, Kohana, Lanitra, Lehua, Maleni, Nanea, Deilani, Healani, Iolani, Iwalani, Leialoha, Lokelani, Lulani, Moani, Nohealani, Tamaka, Uilani
Brothers: Kai, Koa, Ikaika, Makani, Keanu, Alakai, Kaimana, Kaipo, Kaleo, Kekoa, Keoki, Keone, Keoni, Makaio, Makoa, Maui, Nakoa, Kaeo, Kaikoa, Kamilo, Kamuela, Kapono, Keahi, Kealii, Aleki, Aukai, Kaulana, Kawai, Keawe, Kelii, Lopaka
