The name Kannon is of Japanese origin and is a variant spelling of the name Kan'non. It is derived from the Sanskrit word " Avalokiteshvara," which means "the one who perceives the cries of the world." In Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara is known as the bodhisattva of compassion, mercy, and kindness.
The name Kannon is also associated with the Buddhist deity Guanyin, who is believed to be a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara. Guanyin is revered by Buddhists in East Asia as the personification of compassion and mercy. She is often depicted as a woman, but can also take male or non-binary forms.
The name Kannon has been popular in Japan for centuries and has been used by both males and females. It is considered to be a unisex name, although it is more commonly given to girls. The name has gained international recognition in recent years due to its association with the popular anime series "Naruto," in which one of the main characters is named Kannon.
In addition to its Buddhist significance, the name Kannon also has associations with Japanese culture and history. For example, it was the name of a Japanese ship that participated in the Battle of Tsushima in 1905. Today, the name Kannon continues to be popular among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children.
The name Kannon has seen a varied level of popularity over the past two decades in the United States. Between 2005 and 2023, there have been a total of 121 babies named Kannon born in the U.S.
The highest peak in popularity occurred in recent years, with 12 births recorded in 2019 and another 11 births each in 2018 and 2021. This suggests that the name Kannon has gained more recognition and appeal among parents in recent times.
However, it's interesting to note that there have been several years where only a single-digit number of babies named Kannon were born. For instance, between 2005 and 2017, the annual births ranged from 5 to 6, indicating that the name was not as widely used during these years.
Despite fluctuations in popularity, it's clear that the name Kannon has maintained a consistent presence among baby names in the United States over the past two decades. With a total of 121 births, it remains a recognizable and chosen option for parents.