Declining since 2016, #3,757 for boys today.
Popularity of Kanon since 1972
Babies named Kanon per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 6 |
| 1980s | 0 | 7 |
| 1990s | 6 | 87 |
| 2000s | 83 | 324 |
| 2010s | 62 | 825 |
| 2020s | 13 | 275 |
Meaning & origin
Kanon is a rare name that has seen modest use in the United States since the 1970s. First recorded in 1972, it reached its peak popularity in 2015, but has been declining since 2016. In 2025, it ranked 3,757th with approximately 1 in every 58,899 newborn boys given the name. The name appears most frequently in California. Its origins are uncertain, potentially linking to the Greek word 'kanon' (rule, standard) or to Japanese kanji with various meanings. Kanon is a modern, cross-cultural choice that remains uncommon, offering a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with global resonance.
The name Kanon has multiple possible origins. In Greek, 'kanon' means 'rule' or 'standard', a term used in music and law. In Japanese, it can be written with different kanji, such as 花音 (flower sound) or 観音 (the Buddhist bodhisattva Kannon). The name gained some usage in the United States beginning in the 1970s, possibly influenced by Japanese culture and media. Its use as a given name is rare and mostly modern.
Where Kanon is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Kannon
Sibling names for Kanon
Names that share Kanon's style, for a brother or sister.
