Kannon

Meaning of Kannon

Kannon, pronounced KAH-nuhn, occupies a distinctive niche in onomastics by uniting two etymological streams: first, it functions as an alternative spelling of the English surname-word Cannon—ultimately from Old French canon, “rule” or “artillery piece,” a dual imagery that evokes both authority and force—while, second, it mirrors the Japanese transliteration of 観音 (Kannon), the epithet of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, thereby importing a spiritual nuance of mercy and attentive listening; this semantic duality appears to have resonated with American parents, as evidenced by the name’s gradual but measurable rise from the margins of the Social Security registry in 1972 to a high-water mark of 479th in 2020, followed by a modest descent into the 600s, a trajectory that illustrates sustained, though not explosive, appeal among those seeking a modern given name that balances strength with benevolence.

Pronunciation

English

• Pronunced as KAH-nuhn (/ˈkænən/)

• Kaden
• Kingston
• Kellan
• Kyson
• Cannon
• Kieran
• Keegan