Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Keanu
BoyHawaiian· “the cool breeze”
- Meaning
- the cool breeze
- Origin
- Hawaiian
- Pronunciation
- kee-AH-noo
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #649
- US babies 2025
- 427
- Best rank
- #515 (2020)
- Peak year
- 2020
Meaning and origin of Keanu
Keanu is a Hawaiian name that is usually said to mean “the cool breeze”.
Keanu is a Hawaiian name made from ke, the definite article, and anu, meaning cool or coolness, and it is usually translated as the cool breeze or the coolness. It can also be read as a short form of longer Hawaiian names. Actor Keanu Reeves, known for The Matrix and the John Wick films, made the name famous around the world. In Hawaii it is a long-established given name for boys. Keanu has a relaxed, friendly sound and a distinctive island character. It is pronounced kee-AH-noo in English, with each vowel clearly sounded.
Popularity over time
Keanu first appears in US Social Security records in 1990. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 22 different years, starting in 1994. Its best national rank was #515 in 2020, the same year it reached its highest count of 557 babies. In 2025, 427 babies were named Keanu, and it ranked #649 nationally. That is 116% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #771 in 2000, #1,146 in 2010, and #649 in 2025. Of the 8,695 US boys named Keanu since records began, 35% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 2,091 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Abdiel, Emmitt, Cannon, Brixton, and Kannon.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Keanu ranked highest in Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #101 | 10 |
| Nevada | #254 | 12 |
| New Mexico | #338 | 6 |
| California | #419 | 78 |
| Washington | #488 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Keanu is usually pronounced kee-AH-noo, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-nu”.
Middle names for Keanu
A few middle names that flow with Keanu: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Keanu
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Lists that include Keanu
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Keanu mean?
Keanu is a Hawaiian name that is usually said to mean “the cool breeze”.
What is the origin of the name Keanu?
Keanu has Hawaiian roots. Keanu is a Hawaiian name made from ke, the definite article, and anu, meaning cool or coolness, and it is usually translated as the cool breeze or the coolness.
Is Keanu a popular name?
Yes. Keanu ranked #649 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Keanu a boy or girl name?
Keanu is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Keanu?
Keanu is usually pronounced kee-AH-noo. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings