Canaan
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Battle, rock, powerful in battle
Origin: Scottish Gaelic/Irish
Popularity: Ranked #1044 in 2025 with 212 babies born.
History: Canaan surged in the 2010s-2020s as a biblical place-name — the Promised Land. The name carries deep spiritual significance. Canaan represents the American tradition of naming children after sacred places.
Similar names: canan, cannan, cainan, caynan, cana, caiani, calan, calani
Name length: 6 letters
How common is Canaan? About 1 in 15,268 babies born in 2025 were named Canaan, or roughly 0.6 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Canaan
What does the name Canaan mean?
Canaan means “Battle, rock, powerful in battle” from Scottish Gaelic/Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Canaan?
Canaan has Scottish Gaelic/Irish origin. The traditional meaning is “Battle, rock, powerful in battle”.
How popular is Canaan?
Canaan ranked #1044 in 2025 — given to 212 babies that year.
When was Canaan most popular?
Canaan peaked in 2016 with 385 babies registered that year.
Is Canaan a boy or girl name?
Canaan is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Canaans in registered births are male.
Is the name Canaan rising or falling in popularity?
Canaan has fallen 94 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #950 in 2020 to #1044 in 2025.
How long has Canaan been recorded?
Canaan appears in birth records across 53 years — from 1973 through 2025.