Rising since 2010, #4,249 for boys today.
Popularity of Konan since 1972
Babies named Konan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 8 |
| 2010s | 39 |
| 2020s | 88 |
Meaning & origin
Konan is a name with dual heritage, appearing in U.S. records since 1972. In 2025, it ranked 4,249 nationally, with a frequency of 1 in 71,170 births, reflecting its relative rarity. The name's trajectory shows a rising trend since 2010, and its peak in popularity occurred in 2025. Though its Irish roots connect it to figures like the legendary Conan, its modern use in Japan adds a layer of contemporary appeal. The name has not yet reached top state popularity, but its steady climb suggests growing recognition as a distinctive choice.
Konan has two distinct origins. In Irish, it is a diminutive of 'cú' meaning 'hound' or 'wolf', interpreted as 'little hound' or 'little wise one' (from 'con' and 'án'). In Japanese, it is a modern name written with characters such as 虎南 (tiger-south) or 湖南 (lake-south), but the specific intended meaning depends on the kanji used. The name entered the U.S. Social Security records in 1972 and has seen gradual use, with a recent uptick since 2010.
“Konan” around the world
Where Konan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kona, Kon, Koko
Variants: Conan, Kōnan
Sibling names for Konan
Names that share Konan's style, for a brother or sister.
