Canth

Canth is a surname of Finnish origin. It is most commonly encountered in Finland and among Finnish descendants. The name is best known through the late 19th-century Finnish writer Minna Canth.

Minna Canth (1844–1897) was a Finnish writer and social reformer whose works addressed gender equality, family life, and class issues. Writing in Finnish, she produced plays, novels, and essays that challenged contemporary social norms and promoted women’s autonomy. Notable works include Työmiehen vaimo (The Worker's Wife) and Anna Liisa, which explore women's experiences within marriage and rural society.

Canth's writings are regarded as important early contributions to Finnish literature and social realism. Her advocacy for women's rights and social reform helped shape public discourse in Finland during the late 19th century, and she is remembered as a pioneering figure in Finnish cultural history.

In Finland today, the surname Canth remains relatively uncommon and is primarily associated with Minna Canth in cultural memory. Other bearers of the name exist, but none have achieved the same level of prominence in literature.