The story behind Keanu
Borrowed from Hawaiian Keanu.
Other language forms and explanations (1)
Hawaiian entry
From ke (definite particle) + anu (“coolness”); coolness is a symbol of happiness and romance in the warm Hawaiian climate. Also used as a short form for compound given names beginning thus.
Pronunciation
US: /kiˈɑnu/
Regional pronunciation variants
- UK: /kiːˈɑːnuː/
- Hawaiian: /keˈa.nu/
- Hawaiian: [keˈjɐ.nu]
Popularity
Keanu ranked #649 in US for 2025.
Source: SSA national baby names
Names Similar to Keanu
Kaila
kaila (“style”),a loan word from English style; can also be construed as ka (“the”) + ila (“dark birthmark; darkness; seedling”).
- Gender
- feminine
- Syllables
- 2 syllables
- Ending
- ends A
- same syllable count
- similar length
Kainalu
kai (“sea”) + nalu (“wave”) = "billowy sea".
- Gender
- masculine
- Syllables
- 3 syllables
- Ending
- ends U
- similar length
- same starting sound
Kealiʻi
ke (“the”) + aliʻi (“chief, nobleman”). Also short form of compound names beginning with Kealiʻi-.
- Gender
- masculine
- Syllables
- 2 syllables
- Ending
- ends I
- same syllable count
- similar length
Aamu
From aamu (“morning”). First used as a given name in 1899.
- Gender
- feminine
- Syllables
- 2 syllables
- Ending
- ends U
- same syllable count
- similar length
Ahu
Borrowed from Classical Persian آهو (āhū).
- Gender
- feminine
- Syllables
- 2 syllables
- Ending
- ends U
- same syllable count
- similar length
Aindriú
a male given name from Ancient Greek, equivalent to English Andrew
- Gender
- masculine
- Syllables
- 2 syllables
- Ending
- ends Ú
- same syllable count
- similar length
Middle Names for Keanu
Anuhea
anuhea (“cool soft fragrance”), from anu (“coolness”) + hea (“mist”).
- Gender
- feminine
- Syllables
- 3 syllables
- Ending
- ends A
- balanced syllable contrast
- good length contrast
Hanalei
From Hana- (“Bay”, in compounds) + lei (“lei, necklace”), literally “crescent bay”.
- Gender
- feminine
- Syllables
- 3 syllables
- Ending
- ends I
- balanced syllable contrast
- good length contrast
Haunani
hau (“snow”) + nani (“beauty”) = "beautiful snow", as on mountain tops in Hawaii.
- Gender
- feminine
- Syllables
- 3 syllables
- Ending
- ends I
- balanced syllable contrast
- good length contrast
Sibling Names for Keanu
Alana
Feminine form of Alan (from Alan + -a). In regular use since the 20th century. alana (“awakening”); the modern usage is reinforced by English Alana.
- Gender
- feminine
- Syllables
- 3 syllables
- Ending
- ends A
- shared origin connection
- balanced name length
Anuhea
anuhea (“cool soft fragrance”), from anu (“coolness”) + hea (“mist”).
- Gender
- feminine
- Syllables
- 3 syllables
- Ending
- ends A
- shared origin connection
- balanced name length
Hanalei
From Hana- (“Bay”, in compounds) + lei (“lei, necklace”), literally “crescent bay”.
- Gender
- feminine
- Syllables
- 3 syllables
- Ending
- ends I
- shared origin connection
- balanced name length