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The ''k''-rune (Younger Futhark , Anglo-Saxon Futhorc ) is called 'Kaun' in both the Norwegian and Icelandic rune poems, meaning "ulcer". The reconstructed Proto-Germanic name is 'Kaunan'. It is also known as 'Kenaz' ("torch"), based on its Anglo-Saxon name.
The Elder Futhark shape is likely directly based on Old Italic ''c'' / Latin C. The Younger Futhark / Futhorc shapes have parallels in Old Italic shapes of ''k'' , Latin K (compare the Negau helmet inscription). The corresponding Gothic letter is ''k'', called ''kusma''.

★ Norwegian:
: ''Kaun er barna bǫlvan;''
:''bǫl gørver nán fǫlvan.''
: Ulcer is fatal to children;
: death makes a corpse pale.

★ Icelandic (glossed as Latin ''flagella'' "whip"):
: ''Kaun er barna böl''
: ''ok bardaga [för]''
: ''ok holdfúa hús.''
: flagella ''konungr.''
:Disease fatal to children
: and painful spot
: and abode of mortification.
The Anglo-Saxon rune poem gives the name ''cen'' "torch":
: ''Cen byþ cwicera gehwam, cuþ on fyre''
: ''blac ond beorhtlic, byrneþ oftust''
: ''ðær hi æþelingas inne restaþ. ''
: The torch is known to every living man
: by its pale, bright flame; it always burns
: where princes sit within.