Ian
Ian first appears in US records in 1912. It peaked in 2005, when 6,688 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 3,924.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Ian popular?
Declining Ian is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2005 peak.
| 2020s | 26,113 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 52,475 | |
| 2000s | 61,925 | |
| 1990s | 54,007 | |
| 1980s | 37,770 | |
| 1970s | 17,186 | |
| 1960s | 4,977 | |
| 1950s | 1,670 | |
| 1940s | 779 | |
| 1930s | 445 | |
| 1920s | 225 | |
| 1910s | 92 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Ian mean?
The Scottish Gaelic form of John (Iain), ultimately from Hebrew 'Yochanan' meaning 'Yahweh is gracious.' One of several John-root names carrying the 'God is gracious' sense.
Variants & spellings
- Iain
- Ean
Names like Ian
scottish names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Ian
Popular scottish names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Ian
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ian mean?
Ian means God is gracious. The Scottish Gaelic form of John (Iain), ultimately from Hebrew 'Yochanan' meaning 'Yahweh is gracious.' One of several John-root names carrying the 'God is gracious' sense.
What is the origin of the name Ian?
Ian is of scottish origin.
How do you pronounce Ian?
Ian is pronounced “EE-uhn.”
Is Ian a boy or a girl name?
Ian is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Ian a popular name right now?
Ian is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2005 peak.
How popular is the name Ian?
In 2025, Ian ranked #83 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Ian most popular?
Ian was most popular in 2005, when about 6,688 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Ian?
Names similar to Ian include Lachlan, Ewan, Angus, Alasdair, Hamish.
What names go well with Ian?
scottish names that pair well with Ian include Douglas, Logan, Isla, Finley, Fiona.