Kanon is a Japanese given name that is derived from the kanji characters 要 (yō), which means "important" or "necessary," and 音 (on), which means "sound" or "tone." Together, they form the compound word 念 (nen), meaning "thought" or "meditation."
The name Kanon is of Japanese origin and has been used traditionally for both boys and girls in Japan. However, it has become more commonly associated with females in recent years due to its soft and melodic sound.
Historically, the name Kanon gained significant popularity during the Edo period (1603-1868) when it was often given to children born into families of high social status or samurai warriors. The name was believed to confer protection and good fortune upon the bearer, making it a popular choice among parents hoping for a prosperous future for their child.
Today, Kanon remains a popular choice for parents in Japan, with its meaning and melodic sound contributing to its enduring appeal. It has also gained international recognition due to its use by famous figures such as Kanon Matsuura, a popular Japanese singer and songwriter, and Kanonako, a historical figure revered as a goddess of agriculture in Japan.
In Western cultures, the name Kanon may be perceived as exotic or unusual, but it has gained some popularity among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children. Its meaning and sound make it an attractive option for those interested in Japanese culture or seeking a distinctive name with a positive connotation.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Kanon has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. The number of births each year with the name Kanon began at a low of just six in 1972, but has since grown steadily.
In the early 1990s, there was a noticeable rise in popularity, with nine births recorded in 1994 and ten in 1995. This upward trend continued into the new millennium, with twenty births recorded in 2000, which more than doubled to forty-four in 2007.
The peak of popularity for the name Kanon occurred between 2013 and 2016, with a high of 127 births recorded in 2015. However, this trend has since declined, with only forty-five births recorded in 2022 and forty-two in 2023.
Overall, from 1972 to 2023, there have been a total of 1452 babies named Kanon born in the United States. While the name's popularity has fluctuated over time, it remains a distinctive and notable choice among parents in recent years.