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Kanav

♂ Boy

Pronounced KUH-nuv /ˈkʌ.nəv/Medium

Meaning: From the Sanskrit, variously 'a wise/learned man; a sage' (after the rishi Kanva) and 'a prince'Low

In 30 seconds: A wise/learned man; a sage; a prince: Kanav is Sanskrit. Crisp, classic, and warm (said 'KUH-nuv').

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Origin LowSanskrit

MeaningFrom the Sanskrit, variously 'a wise/learned man; a sage' (after the rishi Kanva) and 'a prince'

U.S. rank (2025)#11327 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2012

Total births (all-time)≈ 168

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

Kanav comes from the Sanskrit, variously 'a wise/learned man; a sage' (after the rishi Kanva) and 'a prince'. A crisp, classic name (said 'KUH-nuv').

In the U.S. it appears in Indian families. Rare, a-sage at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Kanav means, variously, 'a wise/learned man; a sage' (after the rishi Kanva) and 'a prince' in Sanskrit — a crisp, classic name (said 'KUH-nuv').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Kanav — Sanskrit etymology

Variations

KanvKanava

Nicknames

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kanav mean?

Kanav is Sanskrit, variously 'a wise/learned man; a sage' and 'a prince'.

How do you pronounce Kanav?

It's said KUH-nuv /ˈkʌ.nəv/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kanav a boy or girl name?

Kanav is a boy's name.

How popular is Kanav?

Kanav is a very rare name in the U.S.