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Home › Baby Names Directory › Canaan

Canaan

♀ Girl

Pronounced KAY-nun /ˈkeɪ.nən/Medium

Meaning: From the Hebrew Canaan, the name of the biblical Promised Land - and of a grandson of Noah. As a given name it usually reads male; used here for a girl, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A biblical name: Canaan is the Promised Land (said 'KAY-nun'). Usually a boy's name - we note the lean.
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Origin MediumHebrew
MeaningFrom the Hebrew Canaan, the name of the biblical Promised Land - and of a grandson of Noah. As a given name it usually reads male; used here for a girl, which we note.
U.S. rank (2023)#9738 ↗ Rising
2023 U.S. births10 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2010
Total births (all-time)≈ 318

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201019802023

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Canaan comes from the Hebrew name of the Promised Land. As a given name it is usually a boy's name; used here for a girl, which we note - rare in the U.S. (said 'KAY-nun').

It is rare in the U.S., and more often a boy's name.

Did you know? Canaan is the Hebrew name of the biblical Promised Land, and of a grandson of Noah - a resonant, storied name that usually reads male, used here for a girl, which we note (said 'KAY-nun').
Overall data confidence 42%
References - Canaan — Hebrew; biblical Promised Land; usually a boy's name

Variations

CananKanaanCanaanne

Nicknames

CanaNan

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Canaan…

Cana— a like biblical place-name
Zion— a like biblical place-name
Jericho— a like biblical place-name
Eden— a like biblical place-name

Explore names like Canaan

By themehebrewbiblicalplace-nameunisex-lean-boy
By meaningGift / Blessing

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Canaan mean?

Canaan is the Hebrew name of the biblical Promised Land; it usually reads as a boy's name.

How do you pronounce Canaan?

It's said KAY-nun /ˈkeɪ.nən/ - two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Canaan a boy or girl name?

Here Canaan is used as a girl's name; note it is more often a boy's name.

How popular is Canaan?

Canaan is rare in the U.S., and more often given to boys.

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