Kanade
Gender-neutral name · Japanese
Meaningto play music · Japanese
Kanade is a Japanese gender-neutral name meaning “to play music”. In Japan, parents often choose a name as much for the kanji characters behind it as for its sound, so the same name can carry several shades of meaning. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds soft and friendly, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. It suits a boy or a girl equally well.
Did you know?
- Hidden namesLook closely: Kanade has the name Ana hiding inside it.
Fewer than 5 US babies a year get this name, so SSA doesn't list it. That makes it truly rare.
Similar names
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Kanade
Kanade is a gender-neutral name of Japanese origin meaning “to play music”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the open vowel at the end makes it sound soft and warm. It's a rare choice in the US, so your child is unlikely to meet another Kanade at school. It works for a boy or a girl, which suits parents who'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
Origin:Japanese names
More Japanese names
- Girl name: Naomi · pleasantness
- Girl name: Noa · movement
- Unisex name: Asa · healer
- Unisex name: Rio · river
- Unisex name: Akari · light, brightness
- Girl name: Reina · queen
- Boy name: Kenzo · often healthy third son
- Girl name: Aya · sign, verse
Questions about the name Kanade
What does the name Kanade mean?
Kanade means “to play music” and comes from Japanese. Other gender-neutral names with a similar meaning include Jazz (“jazz music”) and Sangeeta (“music”).
What is the origin of the name Kanade?
Kanade is Japanese in origin. Other Japanese names to consider are Naomi (“pleasantness”), Noa (“movement”), Asa (“healer”) and Rio (“river”).
Is Kanade a boy or girl name?
Both. Kanade is a true gender-neutral name used for boys and girls. That balance makes it a good pick if you'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
What names are similar to Kanade?
If you like Kanade, you might also like Jazz and Sangeeta.
What should I know before naming my baby Kanade?
Kanade is a Japanese gender-neutral name meaning “to play music”. In Japan, parents often choose a name as much for the kanji characters behind it as for its sound, so the same name can carry several shades of meaning. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds soft and friendly, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. It suits a boy or a girl equally well. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.