Can Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Can originates from Turkish, meaning 'life', 'soul', or 'spirit'. It has evolved from Old Turkic and remains a cherished name in modern Turkish culture. It is associated with qualities of warmth and affection, with no biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Can"
Pronunciation
/dʒæn/
Origin
Turkish
Etymology
The name Can is derived from the Turkish word 'can', meaning 'life', 'soul', or 'spirit'. It is often used as a term of endearment.
Meaning
life, soul, spirit
Language Evolution
Old Turkic: jan, Middle Turkic: can, Modern Turkish: can
Historical Usage
The name Can has been used in Turkish culture for centuries and gained popularity in the 20th century as a given name.
Variants & Derivatives
Canan, Candan, Cangüzel
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Can is a popular name in Turkey and among Turkish communities worldwide. It conveys a sense of warmth and affection.
Famous People
Can Yaman - Turkish actor, Can Bonomo - Turkish singer and songwriter
📊 Can Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Can Name Visualizations
✨ Can Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 30 peak births in 2018
Geographic Spread
Popular across 3 US states, with strongest presence in Florida
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Can"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Can"
"Can" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8770th of 10718 | 12 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6545th of 16616 | 89 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 5960th of 24088 | 201 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 4820th of 23106 | 241 |
Regional Popularity of "Can" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
71.90% 3713th/5164 |
63.95% 4677th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
83.98% 3768th/4487 |
54.40% 3711th/6822 |
41.17% 2584th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Can" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Can"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Can" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Can" in the United States
The name Can is most popular in Florida, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Can has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Can' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8770th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6545th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5960th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4820th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Can' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.