Kawana

“river mouth” — Associated with nature and tranquility

Japan origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1720US 2023

480Births / yr

→Stable

960All-time births

📅 Since 195700

How to pronounce Kawana

KAH·wun·AH

/ˈkɑ.wən.ˈɑ/ · stress on KAH · 3 syllables

“river mouth”

Associated with nature and tranquility · Japan origin

What does Kawana mean and where does it come from?

The name Kawana is of Japanese origin, derived from 'kawa' (川) meaning 'river' and 'na' which can signify 'mouth' or 'opening'. This name is popular in Japanese culture, often associated with nature and tranquility. In Western contexts, particularly in the United States, it has gained popularity as

Cultural significance

Kawana has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of river mouth.

Peak popularity

Reached #1442 in 1976 — currently #1720 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Kawana?

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

Kawana Grace

How popular is Kawana right now?

Holding steady — currently #1720 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#1720 · Top 1.3%

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1720	480	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022	#1725	460	▲ up 5 · +7% births
2021	#1730	430	▲ up 5950 · +3809% births
1995	#7680	11	▼ down 3088 · -48% births
1990	#4592	21	▼ down 1469 · -28% births
1985	#3123	29	▼ down 1035 · -42% births
1980	#2088	50	▼ down 340 · -7% births
1975	#1748	54	▲ up 1925 · +218% births
1970	#3673	17	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kawana

Best Year2023Rank #1720

Peak Count480

Average Rank#3120

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1970 - 20239 years

The story of Kawana

Kawana entered American naming records in 1957 and has been in use for over 67 years. With 960 total births recorded, Kawana remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3673 in 1970 to #1720 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Kawana in 1976:

Jennifer Amy Melissa Heather Angela

Kawana by decade

Kawana peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1950s	7
1960s	66
1970s ★	503
1980s	287
1990s	92
2000s	5

💎Kawana has only 960 total recorded births since 1957 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kawana?

Common

KawKawieKawyAna

What names sound and feel like Kawana?

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

Katana

Japan · Refers specifically to

Karana

American · Native American

Kawanna

American · A modern name

Kayana

English · pure, clear

Common questions about the name Kawana

What does the name Kawana mean?

Kawana means "river mouth" — a name rooted in Japan 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 Kawana?

Kawana is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Kawana?

Kawana originates from Japan tradition. Japan 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 Kawana?

Kawana is a three-syllable name pronounced K AA1 W AH0 N AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Kawana?

Kawana pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Japan heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.