Kanon

Kanon is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Japanese, it relates to the Buddhist goddess of mercy (観音), representing compassion and perception. In Western contexts, it may be a variant of Canon, derived from Greek 'kanon' meaning 'rule' or 'standard,' suggesting someone who exemplifies principles or standards. The name also carries musical associations, as a 'canon' is a compositional technique where melodies imitate each other. This multicultural name has gained modest usage in recent decades, appealing to parents seeking names with cross-cultural significance. Kanon's simplicity, distinctive sound, and rich cultural connections make it an intriguing choice that works well internationally while remaining relatively uncommon.

Kanon is also given to girls, where it ranks #14035 in the US.

Pronounced KAH-non.

As of October 2026, Kanon ranked #14035 for girls and #3809 for boys in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #7919 for girls in 2008 and #1372 for boys in 2015.