Find out how popular the first name Kanna has been for the last 33 years (from 1991 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kanna by gender

Based on the last 33 years of data, Kanna is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 13 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kanna.

The history of the first name Kanna

The name Kanna has its origins in multiple cultures and languages, with variations in spelling and meaning across different regions. One of the earliest roots of the name can be traced back to Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language, where "Kanna" was derived from the word "Kan," meaning "eye" or "vision."

In Hindu mythology, Kanna is a name associated with the elephant-headed god Ganesha, who is revered as the remover of obstacles and the lord of beginnings. Ganesha's son, Kanna-Lambodara, is also mentioned in ancient Hindu texts, suggesting the name's significance in the religious and cultural contexts of the Indian subcontinent.

The name Kanna also has connections to ancient Tamil literature, where it was used as a masculine name with various meanings, such as "beloved," "treasure," or "golden." In the Tamil epic Silappadikaram, one of the prominent characters bears the name Kannaki, which is a feminine form of Kanna.

In Japan, the name Kanna is written using different kanji characters, and its meaning can vary. One interpretation is "beautiful," while another relates to the concept of "fragrance" or "aroma." Historically, the name has been used for both males and females in Japanese culture.

Across history, there have been notable figures who carried the name Kanna. For instance, Kanna Mimatsu (1888-1965) was a renowned Japanese poet and writer, known for her works that explored themes of love, nature, and feminism. Another notable individual was Kanna Hashimoto (1917-1994), a Japanese writer and activist who fought for women's rights and social justice.

In the realm of religion, Kanna Upanishad is an ancient Hindu scripture that delves into philosophical concepts and spiritual practices. Additionally, there have been several Buddhist monks and scholars throughout history who bore the name Kanna, although specific details about their lives and works may vary.

The name Kanna has also been found in various ancient inscriptions and records, further solidifying its historical and cultural significance across different regions and time periods.

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

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

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