Kynan

A boy's name of Welsh origin with 370 recorded U.S. births.

Boy's nameRare nameNot ranked recently

Meaning & Origin

Kynan is a two-syllable boy's name with a clean, contemporary sound — among the most common endings in modern American names. With only 370 recorded U.S. births, it is exceptionally rare — the kind of name most people encounter for the first time when they meet your child.

Kynan is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.

Kynan is a boy's baby name of Welsh origin, from the Welsh name Cynan, meaning 'chief' or 'high' — a name borne by several Welsh kings and princes in medieval Welsh history.

Kynan has genuine royal Welsh pedigree — Cynan was a name of Welsh rulers dating back to the early medieval period. Its modern spelling makes the name more accessible while preserving its authentic Celtic roots and the regal dignity of its ancient bearers.

EtymologyShow more

Kynan is cataloged under the Welsh naming tradition. Celtic names carry the echoes of ancient insular traditions, often drawing from nature, warfare, and mythology.

In the U.S., Kynan has been recorded as a boy's name since 1966, with 370 total births. Browse the Welsh names hub on this site to explore the broader family.

At a Glance

370

Total births

Since 1966

2012

Peak

19 births

1966

First recorded

55 years of data

Compare Kynan with another name

Popularity Over Time

Kynan has 42+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1966.

First appeared: 1966Peak: 2012 (19 births)

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Kynan
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	5	#13227	▼
2010s	65	#9120	▼
2000s	116	#7100	▲
1990s	69	#6807	▲
1980s	43	#6197	▼
1970s	62	#3988	▲
1960s	10	#4278	—

The Story of Kynan

A Gen Z name

Peaking in 2012, Kynan is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Kynan are most likely born between 2002 and 2020.

How rare is Kynan?

With fewer than 500 recorded births, Kynan is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.

The journey through the decades

First appeared in the records in 1966, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 2000s with 116 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.

Kynan by the numbers

Would fill 8 school buses
Meeting one Kynan per day would take 1 years

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(42 years, 1966–2020)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Kynan
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2020	5	#13227	-1 (-16.7%)
2016	6	#11555	-3 (-33.3%)
2015	9	#8428	0
2014	9	#8515	0
2013	9	#8499	-10 (-52.6%)
2012	19	#4959	+12 (171.4%)
2011	7	#10298	+1 (16.7%)
2010	6	#11588	0
2009	6	#11848	-4 (-40.0%)
2008	10	#8045	-6 (-37.5%)
2007	16	#5575	-1 (-5.9%)
2006	17	#5209	+8 (88.9%)
2005	9	#8036	-2 (-18.2%)
2004	11	#6798	-5 (-31.3%)
2003	16	#4944	+4 (33.3%)
2002	12	#5924	0
2001	12	#5885	+5 (71.4%)
2000	7	#8737	-2 (-22.2%)
1999	9	#6864	+2 (28.6%)
1998	7	#8079	-3 (-30.0%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kynan a boy's or girl's name?

Kynan is primarily a boy's name.

When was Kynan most popular?

Kynan reached its peak popularity in 2012 with 19 births that year. It is not currently in the top rankings.

How popular is the name Kynan?

Kynan is not currently in the top rankings but has been given to 370 babies in the U.S. since 1966. Its peak was in 2012.

Explore More

By Length5-letter names By OriginWelsh names By EndingNames in -n TrendingRising names RankingsFull rankings

Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1966–2020