Find out how popular the first name Kawan has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kawan by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kawan.

The history of the first name Kawan

The name Kawan is derived from the Malay language, originating in the Southeast Asian region. In Malay, the word "kawan" means "friend" or "companion." This name likely emerged during the period when the Malay language was developing, which can be traced back to the 7th century AD.

Kawan was a common name among the Malay people, who inhabited the Malay Peninsula, parts of Sumatra, and various islands in the Malay Archipelago. The name's association with friendship and camaraderie reflects the importance of these values in Malay culture and society.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kawan can be found in the Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals), a literary work that chronicles the history of the Malay Sultanate of Malacca. This text, written in the 15th century, mentions individuals with the name Kawan, indicating its usage during that time period.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Kawan. One example is Kawan Singh (1887-1949), an Indian freedom fighter and politician who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. He served as a member of the Constituent Assembly of India and was involved in the drafting of the Indian Constitution.

Another prominent individual with the name Kawan was Kawan Bakar (1860-1949), a Malay poet and writer from Johor, Malaysia. He is considered one of the pioneers of modern Malay literature and is renowned for his works that explored themes of love, nature, and social commentary.

In the field of sports, Kawan Prather (born 1980) is an American professional basketball player who has played in various leagues around the world, including the NBA and several European leagues.

Kawan Kalsi (born 1981) is a British Sikh actor and playwright, known for his performances in various stage productions and television shows. He has been recognized for his contributions to promoting diversity and representation in the arts.

Lastly, Kawan Kakar (born 1990) is an Afghan cricketer who has represented the Afghan national cricket team in various international tournaments. He is considered one of the most talented players from Afghanistan and has played a significant role in the development of cricket in his country.

These examples demonstrate the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of individuals who have carried the name Kawan throughout history, reflecting its enduring presence and significance across various cultures and regions.

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

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

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