"flower, added (fragrance)"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Kana
Pronunciation: [ k-AN-uh ]
Does Kana flow with your last name?
A name of grace and power in Japanese tradition
Japanese
Hawaiian
Scandinavian
Elegant
Minimalist
Unique
Gentle
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"demigod, hero"
Origin: Hawaiian
Language: Hawaiian
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The Story of Kana
Kana is a Japanese feminine name written with various kanji characters that bestow different meanings: 可奈 (powerful, capable), 花奈 (flower, what is added), or 香奈 (fragrance, what is added). The name also connects to kana, the Japanese phonetic writing system, giving it an association with language and literacy. In Hawaiian, Kana is the name of a demigod known for his incredible ability to stretch himself.
Kana has been a popular given name in Japan and has gained international appeal as Japanese names have spread globally through anime, music, and cultural exchange. Its simple two-syllable structure and pleasant sounds make it accessible across many languages.
In Japanese culture, the meaning of Kana depends entirely on the kanji chosen by parents — each writing carries different aspirations for the child. In Hawaiian mythology, Kana is a heroic figure of extraordinary power, adding a mythological layer to the name.
Historical Record
Kana first appeared in US Social Security records in 1956.
Over 860 babies have been named Kana in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kana is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #6,383 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Japanese, the same name Kana can be written with different kanji to change its meaning entirely
- Kana is also the word for the Japanese phonetic alphabet system (hiragana and katakana)
Kana in Other Languages
Korean
카나
Hawaiian
Kana
Japanese
かな / 花奈 / 可奈
Popularity Over Time
#6,383
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kana
K
Kana Hanazawa
Entertainer
1989
Japanese voice actress and singer widely regarded as one of the most popular voice actresses in Japan
K
Kana Uele
Musician
Hawaiian musician embodying the cultural heritage of the name in Hawaiian tradition
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,383
- Total SSA Count
- 19
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese Hawaiian Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kan
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Hawaiian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kana
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Kana is also used as a boy name, ranked #17911.
View Kana as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Japanese)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kana
What does the name Kana mean?
"flower, added (fragrance)" (from Japanese). "demigod, hero" (from Hawaiian). Kana is a Japanese feminine name written with various kanji characters that bestow different meanings: 可奈 (powerful, capable), 花奈 (flower, what is added), or 香奈 (fragrance, what is added). The name also connects to kana, the Japanese phonetic writing system, giving it an association with language and literacy. In Hawaiian, Kana is the name of a demigod known for his incredible ability to stretch himself.
What is the origin of the name Kana?
Kana has Japanese, Hawaiian, and Scandinavian origins. In Japanese, it means "flower, added (fragrance)". In Hawaiian, it means "demigod, hero".
Is Kana a boy or girl name?
Kana is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #6383. As a boy name, it is ranked #17911. Kana is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Kana?
Kana is pronounced k-AN-uh.
How popular is the name Kana?
Kana is currently ranked #6383 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kana?
Common nicknames for Kana include Kan.
What are good middle names for Kana?
Popular middle name pairings include Kana Marie, Kana Rose, Kana Lynn, Kana Grace, Kana Jade, Kana Lee, and Kana Ann.
What are good sibling names for Kana?
Names that pair well with Kana as siblings include Hana, Yuki, Mika, Sora, Ren, Kai, and Mia.
How many syllables does Kana have?
Kana has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kana a common or rare name?
Kana is an uncommon name, ranked #6383 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Kana?
Are there other spellings for Kana?
Related spellings include Kaniyah.
About the Name Kana
Kana is a girl name with Japanese, Hawaiian, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "flower, added (fragrance)" in Japanese .
Is Kana a boy or girl name? Kana is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #6,383 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #17,911. Kana is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kana is currently ranked #6,383 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kana has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-AN-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kana include Kan. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kana include Kaniyah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis