What does Cana mean and where does it come from?
Cana is of Hebrew origin, notably associated with the biblical town of Cana in Galilee, where, according to the New Testament, Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine. The name can also be interpreted to mean 'zealous' in Hebrew. In contemporary use, it is found primarily in the
Cultural significance
Cana has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of zealous.
Peak popularity
Reached #3610 in 1999 — currently #7717 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Cana?
Cana works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cana Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cana Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cana Claire
French influence · crisp
Cana Jane
Literary · strong
Cana Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cana right now?
Rising fast — up 405 spots — currently #7717 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7717 | 14 | ▲ up 405 · +8% births |
| 2022 | #8122 | 13 | ▼ down 1381 · -24% births |
| 2021 | #6741 | 17 | ▼ down 855 · -15% births |
| 2020 | #5886 | 20 | ▲ up 4456 · +100% births |
| 2015 | #10342 | 10 | ▼ down 2725 · -37% births |
| 2010 | #7617 | 16 | ▼ down 676 · -6% births |
| 2005 | #6941 | 17 | ▲ up 385 · +21% births |
| 2000 | #7326 | 14 | ▲ up 1067 · +40% births |
| 1995 | #8393 | 10 | ▲ up 3625 · +67% births |
| 1990 | #12018 | 6 | ▼ down 2156 |
| 1980 | #9862 | 6 | ▼ down 1065 |
| 1975 | #8797 | 6 | — |
The story of Cana
Cana is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1973. With 588 total births recorded, Cana remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8797 in 1975 to #7717 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Cana in 1999:
Cana by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 29 | |
| 1980s | 53 | |
| 1990s | 133 | |
| 2000s ★ | 189 | |
| 2010s | 164 | |
| 2020s | 20 | |
💎Cana has only 588 total recorded births since 1973 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Cana?
What names sound and feel like Cana?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cana also consider these
Common questions about the name Cana
What does the name Cana mean?
Cana means "Zealous" — a name rooted in Israel tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Cana?
Cana is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Cana?
Cana originates from Israel tradition. Israel names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Cana a common or rare name?
Cana is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What personality traits are associated with the name Cana?
Studies on name perception suggest that Cana is often associated with balance and approachability. Of course, personality is shaped by experience, not a name — but the perception can influence first impressions throughout life.