Find out how popular the first name Canyon has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Canyon by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Canyon is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 94% of people named Canyon being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 130 male babies and 15 female babies born with the name Canyon.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 15 baby girls were named Canyon in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Canyon

The name Canyon is a relatively modern word derived from the Spanish cañon, which itself comes from the Latin canna, meaning "reed" or "cane." The word originally referred to a deep, narrow valley with steep sides, often formed by erosion from a river or stream.

Canyon first emerged as a given name in the late 19th century, likely inspired by the natural wonders of the American West and the grandeur of places like the Grand Canyon. It may have been used as a way to celebrate the rugged beauty of these geological formations or as a nod to the pioneering spirit of those who explored and settled the region.

One of the earliest recorded instances of Canyon as a first name is Canyon Lester, born in 1888 in Texas. Another early example is Canyon Wren, born in 1892 in Colorado. These individuals were likely named during a time when the American frontier was still being explored and the imagery of the West was capturing the popular imagination.

Throughout the 20th century, Canyon remained a relatively uncommon name, but it did gain some notable bearers. Canyon Sam, a Native American artist and activist, was born in 1917 in Arizona. Canyon de Chelly, a Navajo artist and educator, was born in 1935 in Arizona, and her name was derived from the famous Canyon de Chelly National Monument.

In more recent times, Canyon has been used as a gender-neutral name, reflecting a growing trend toward nature-inspired names and a desire for names that evoke a sense of adventure and exploration. Canyon Cody Zuehlsdorff, an American actor, was born in 1998, while Canyon James, an American singer and songwriter, was born in 1993.

Overall, the name Canyon is a relatively modern creation, likely born out of a fascination with the natural wonders of the American West and a celebration of the rugged landscapes that were being explored and settled during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While not a common name, it has gained a small but notable following, particularly among those who appreciate its unique sound and connection to the natural world.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Canyon was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Canyon, please contact us.

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