Keanu
/ke.ˈa.nu/
Keanu is a Hawaiian name meaning “the cool breeze” or “the coolness,” from the Hawaiian article ke (“the”) and anu (“cool, cold”).
The name has been in use in Hawaii for generations, reflecting the islands’ rich tradition of nature-inspired names that evoke landscape, weather, and sensation.
Keanu peaked at No. 514 in 2020 with 556 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 632 with 442 births, below its celebrity-driven 2020 high.
What the name Keanu means
Actor Keanu Reeves, born 1964 in Beirut to a Hawaiian father, is the name’s single most influential bearer. His roles in The Matrix, Speed, and the John Wick franchise have given the name global recognition.
Three syllables—kee-AH-noo—flow smoothly. The three open vowels and the gentle consonants give it an airy, Pacific quality distinct from European or biblical names.
Parents choosing Keanu are often Reeves fans who also appreciate the name’s genuine Hawaiian grounding and its easy international pronunciation.
Hawaii produces distinctive names—Kai, Leilani, Koa, Makoa—that have crossed into wider American use. Keanu is among the most recognized of these.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Keanu
Keanu - similar names
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