Keanu

Updated: October 24, 2023 by Olivia Mittak

When you hear the baby name Keanu, you likely instantly think of Keanu Reeves. This actor brought this option to the level of popularity that it has today for boys and girls.

Meaning and Origin of the Name Keanu:

The baby name Keanu originated in Hawaii. It comes from the words “ke” and “anu”. Keanu became popular throughout the rest of America in recent years because of actor Keanu Reeves. He was the actor associated with the “John Wick” movies. The name means “cool mountain breeze”.

Symbolism of the Name Keanu:

The baby name Keanu means “cool mountain breeze” because of the Hawaiian words “ke” and “anu”. The word “ke” translates to “the,” and “anu” means “coolness”. Parents simply combined the two to create Keanu.

Nicknames for the Name Keanu:

Keanu is a very modern-sounding name, thanks to the popular actor. If this is a name you're interested in, check out our picks for the best Keanu nicknames:

Kea
Anu
Key
KK
Keke
Kean
Kenu
Ean
Kex
Keans
Kya
Nu
NuNu
Kai
Ann
Annie

Style of the Name Keanu:

Traditional

Gender of the Name Keanu:

Keanu is a cultural name for boys or girls, more popular among the former.

Pronunciation of the Name Keanu:

keh-A-noo or kee-A-noo

Number of Syllables in the Name Keanu:

Three

Emotion Evoked From the Name Keanu:

Keanu sounds cultural and natural. It is wholesome and unique.

Alternative Spellings for the Name Keanu:

Keeanu
Keianu
Keyanu
Keahnu
Keeahnu
Keiahnu
Keyahnu

Popularity of the Name Keanu:

Keanu became a top 1,000 baby name in America in 1994 at rank 756, lasting until 2005 when it was number 975. The name came back in 2016, however. It was ranked 974 during that year. In 2022, the name ranked at 592 for boys. The name has not yet ranked on the top 1,000 for girls.