Canton

“bay”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#6957US 2023

12Births / yr

↓Falling

464All-time births

📅 Since 198800

How to pronounce Canton

KANT·un

/ˈkænt.ən/ · stress on KANT · 2 syllables

“bay”

American origin · Boy name

What does Canton mean and where does it come from?

The name Canton is historically tied to the region in southern China known for its significant cultural and economic history. In English, it refers to an area of land that is recessed into the coastline or an inlet, resembling the bay. In contemporary usage, it can be found in the United States part

Cultural significance

Canton has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bay.

Peak popularity

Reached #3397 in 2015 — currently #6957 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Canton?

Canton works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Canton Grace

How popular is Canton right now?

Falling — down 758 spots — currently #6957 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#6957 · Top 5.1%

1990

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#6957	12	▼ down 758 · -14% births
2022	#6199	14	▼ down 828 · -18% births
2021	#5371	17	▲ up 418 · +13% births
2020	#5789	15	▼ down 2392 · -55% births
2015	#3397	33	▲ up 2800 · +136% births
2010	#6197	14	▼ down 996 · -12% births
2005	#5201	16	▲ up 3497 · +129% births
2000	#8698	7	▼ down 2348 · -12% births
1990	#6350	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Canton

Best Year2015Rank #3397

Peak Count33

Average Rank#6018

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1990 - 20239 years

The story of Canton

Canton is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1988. With 464 total births recorded, Canton remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6350 in 1990, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6957 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Canton in 2015:

Noah Liam Mason Jacob William

Canton by decade

Canton peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	5
1990s	49
2000s	150
2010s ★	245
2020s	15

💎Canton has only 464 total recorded births since 1988 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Canton?

Common

CanCaAnton

What names sound and feel like Canton?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Canton also consider these

Cannon

American · English

Cayton

American · A beloved name

Candon

Ireland · English

Caston

English · from the town

Caxton

England · from the town

Chanton

American · A variant of

Canyon

USA · Large ravine

Carston

American · Son of Carr

Common questions about the name Canton

What does the name Canton mean?

Canton means "bay" — a name rooted in American 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 Canton?

Canton is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Canton?

Canton originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Canton?

Canton is a two-syllable name pronounced K AE1 N T AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Canton a common or rare name?

Canton is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.