The term that is transliterated as «Canaan» in English means «father of honor,» «father of majesty,» «father of praise,» or «my father is majesty.» (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

It is translated in American Sign Language with a sign loosely referencing the act of hiding/covering one’s face in shame. The association of «shame» with the name «Canaan» comes from Genesis 9, specifically verse 9:25. This sign was adapted from a similar sign in Kenyan Sign Language (see here ). (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)

«Canaan» in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor