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

Popularity of Kana by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kana is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 98% of people named Kana being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 12 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kana.

The history of the first name Kana

The name Kana has its origins in various cultures and languages around the world. It is believed to have derived from the Japanese word "kana," which refers to the syllabic scripts used alongside the logographic kanji in written Japanese. The kana scripts, hiragana and katakana, are phonetic scripts that were developed to represent the Japanese language more accurately.

In Japanese culture, Kana is a unisex name that can be used for both boys and girls. It is often associated with the concepts of purity, simplicity, and elegance, reflecting the aesthetic principles of traditional Japanese art and literature.

Beyond its Japanese roots, the name Kana has also been found in various other cultures and contexts. In Sanskrit, the name Kana is derived from the word "kana," meaning "small" or "young." This connection suggests that the name may have been used to signify a sense of youth, innocence, or tender age.

Historically, the name Kana has been recorded in ancient texts and religious scriptures, though its exact origins remain obscure. One notable reference is found in the Buddhist scriptures, where the term "kana" is used to describe a type of celestial being or divine entity.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the first name Kana. One of the earliest recorded examples is Kana no Naishi (995-1035), a Japanese court lady and poet of the Heian period, renowned for her contributions to the imperial anthology "Goshūi Wakashū."

Another significant figure is Kana Nishino (born in 1989), a Japanese singer, songwriter, and actress who has gained immense popularity for her music and acting roles in various Japanese television dramas and films.

In the realm of sports, Kana Ichikawa (born in 1992) is a Japanese professional tennis player who has achieved notable success on the WTA Tour, winning multiple singles and doubles titles.

Kana Tsugihara (born in 1984) is a Japanese actress and model known for her roles in various Japanese television series and movies, as well as her work as a fashion model.

Lastly, Kana Hanazawa (born in 1986) is a renowned Japanese voice actress who has lent her voice to numerous anime characters and has gained a significant following among anime fans worldwide.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have carried the name Kana, each contributing to its rich cultural legacy and diverse meanings across various contexts.

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 Kana was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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