The name Kannon is of Japanese origin and is a variant spelling of the name Kan'non. It is derived from the Sanskrit word " Avalokiteshvara," which means "the one who perceives the cries of the world." In Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara is known as the bodhisattva of compassion, mercy, and kindness.
The name Kannon is also associated with the Buddhist deity Guanyin, who is believed to be a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara. Guanyin is revered by Buddhists in East Asia as the personification of compassion and mercy. She is often depicted as a woman, but can also take male or non-binary forms.
The name Kannon has been popular in Japan for centuries and has been used by both males and females. It is considered to be a unisex name, although it is more commonly given to girls. The name has gained international recognition in recent years due to its association with the popular anime series "Naruto," in which one of the main characters is named Kannon.
In addition to its Buddhist significance, the name Kannon also has associations with Japanese culture and history. For example, it was the name of a Japanese ship that participated in the Battle of Tsushima in 1905. Today, the name Kannon continues to be popular among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children.
The name Kannon experiences periods of popularity with several years seeing more than six births each, peaking at 11 and 12 births in recent years (2015, 2018, 2019, 2021). However, there are also stretches where its usage declines to fewer than six births annually. Overall, the name's popularity has seen ups and downs over time, with a total of 121 babies named Kannon born between 2005 and 2023.