Canon

♀ Girl

Pronounced KAN-un /ˈkæn.ən/Medium

Meaning: From the English word 'canon' (via Greek kanon, 'measuring rod; rule'), meaning a rule, standard, or body of accepted works — and a church official. Usually a boy's name; used here for a girl, which we flag.Low

In 30 seconds: A strong word-name: Canon means 'a rule; a standard' (said 'KAN-un'). Usually a boy's name — we flag the lean.

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Origin LowEnglish, Greek

MeaningFrom the English word 'canon' (via Greek kanon, 'measuring rod; rule'), meaning a rule, standard, or body of accepted works — and a church official. Usually a boy's name; used here for a girl, which we flag.

U.S. rank (2018)#16150 ↘ Falling

2018 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2011

Total births (all-time)≈ 36

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Canon is the English word 'canon' ('rule; standard,' from Greek kanon), also a church title. It usually reads as a boy's name; used here for a girl, which we flag — rare either way (said 'KAN-un').

For girls it appears very rarely in the U.S., against heavier boys' use. Rare, bold, and word-based.

Did you know? Canon comes from the word 'canon' (Greek kanon, 'rule; measuring rod') — a rule, a standard, or a church official — a bold word-name that usually reads male, used here for a girl, which we flag (said 'KAN-un').

Overall data confidence 32%

References — Canon — English word 'canon'; Greek kanon 'rule'; reads male

Variations

CannonCamdenSutton

Nicknames

CanNonnie

Famous Bearers

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If you like Canon…

Cannon— a like word/surname name

Camden— a like modern surname name

Sutton— a like unisex surname pick

Emerson— a like unisex word-surname

Explore names like Canon

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Canon mean?

Canon is the English word 'canon' (from Greek kanon, 'rule; measuring rod'), meaning a rule, standard, or church official.

How do you pronounce Canon?

It's said KAN-un /ˈkæn.ən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Canon a boy or girl name?

Canon usually reads as a boy's name; it is used here for a girl, which we flag.

How popular is Canon?

Canon is rare for girls and more common for boys in the U.S.