Holding steady, #648 for boys today.
Popularity of Keanu since 1990
Babies named Keanu per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 1,633 |
| 2000s | 1,957 |
| 2010s | 2,091 |
| 2020s | 3,014 |
Meaning & origin
Keanu entered the U.S. naming charts in 1990, and by 2020 it reached its peak rank of 648, reflecting a steady climb in popularity. In 2025, the name held the same rank of 648, indicating stable interest among parents. The odds of a boy being named Keanu in that year were approximately 1 in 4,000. Geographically, the name is most common in Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico, regions with notable Hawaiian or Spanish-influenced communities. The trajectory has been stable in the 2020s, without signs of revival or decline. While the name possesses a serene Hawaiian essence, its cultural touchstone remains the actor Keanu Reeves, who brought it into the global spotlight. Parents choosing Keanu today often appreciate its gentle meaning and multicultural appeal.
Keanu is a Hawaiian name derived from 'ke' meaning 'the' and 'anu' meaning 'coolness, cool air, mountain breeze.' Literally 'the coolness,' it evokes a sense of calm and freshness. The name gained worldwide recognition after actor Keanu Reeves rose to fame in the 1990s, though it remains strongly tied to Hawaiian heritage.
Where Keanu is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Keanu” around the world
Where Keanu lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
New Zealand
#93
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kea, NuNu, K
Variants: Keanui, Keanuu
Sibling names for Keanu
Names that share Keanu's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Leilani, Kai, Nalani, Moana, Kiana, Alani, Anela, Kailani, Kalani, Kalia, Lani, Kalei, Kelani, Keona, Lailani, Meilani, Noelani, Tiare, Aloha, Anuhea, Aulani, Dalani, Halia, Kaiulani, Kealani, Keilana, Lalani, Lanai, Lei, Leiani, Lelani, Lilo, Mahealani, Mahina, Maika, Malie, Mana, Mele, Nailani, Ohana, Tahnee, Tehani, Aalani, Anani, Halona, Hanalei, Jeilani, Kahealani, Kailoni, Kaina, Kamaile, Kamalani, Laelani, Lahela, Lanika, Lanitra, Leilanie, Mailani, Maleni, Malu, Nanea, Nohea, Tarita, Kaylanii, Kuuipo, Cahlani, Eilani, Elahni, Hiilani, Hokulani, Iolana, Iwalani, Kalany, Kamalei, Keimora, Khailani, Kuulei, Leeani, Leilanii, Leinani, Lokelani, Lulani, Maleeah, Malita, Mililani, Moani, Nalea, Nohealani, Pele, Roselani, Sanoe, Taimane, Tonga, Yeilani
Brothers: Kai, Koa, Makana, Kanoa, Kaleo, Makai, Kainoa, Makoa, Nakoa, Alakai, Ikaika, Kaimana, Kainalu, Kaipo, Kani, Kimo, Kona, Maui, Nainoa, Kaeo, Kahiau, Kaikoa, Kaimani, Kapono, Kealii, Makani, Nalu, Aleki, Aukai, Kaulana, Kawai, Keawe, Laakea
