Kanton

“港口, meaning 'port' in Mandarin”

Chinese origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#11519US 2023

6Births / yr

↓Falling

130All-time births

📅 Since 200500

How to pronounce Kanton

KANT·UHN

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

“港口, meaning 'port' in Mandarin”

Chinese origin · Boy name

What does Kanton mean and where does it come from?

The name Kanton derives from the Chinese word '港口' (gǎngkǒu), which means 'port' or 'harbor'. The name is more commonly recognized in English-speaking countries, especially the United States, owing to the adaptation of Asian names within diverse populations. Kanton is not widely used as a personal n

Cultural significance

Kanton has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Chinese-speaking communities, where it reflects values of 港口, meaning 'port' in mandarin.

Peak popularity

Reached #5962 in 2014 — currently #11519 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Kanton?

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

Kanton Grace

How popular is Kanton right now?

Falling — down 2877 spots — currently #11519 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2005–2023#11519 · Top 8.5%

2005

2010

2015

2020

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#11519	6	▼ down 2877 · -33% births
2022	#8642	9	▲ up 2767 · +50% births
2020	#11409	6	▼ down 4798 · -54% births
2015	#6611	13	▲ up 1446 · +30% births
2010	#8057	10	▲ up 2045 · +43% births
2005	#10102	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kanton

Best Year2015Rank #6611

Peak Count13

Average Rank#9390

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range2005 - 20236 years

The story of Kanton

Kanton is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2005. With 130 total births recorded, Kanton remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #10102 in 2005, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11519 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Kanton in 2014:

Noah Liam Mason Jacob William

Kanton by decade

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

Decade	Births
2000s	19
2010s ★	105
2020s	6

💎Kanton has only 130 total recorded births since 2005 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kanton?

Common

KanKaAnton

What names sound and feel like Kanton?

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

Kandon

American · A beloved name

Kayton

American · Derived from 'Kaitlyn'

Kannon

American · the sound of

Kanyon

American · English

Kaston

American · from the town

Katon

Japan · one who takes

Common questions about the name Kanton

What does the name Kanton mean?

Kanton means "港口, meaning 'port' in Mandarin" — a name rooted in Chinese 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 Kanton?

Kanton 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 Kanton?

Kanton originates from Chinese tradition. Chinese 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 Kanton?

Kanton is a two-syllable name pronounced K AE1 N T AH1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Kanton a common or rare name?

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