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Ian Boy

Popularity: #74 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationEE-an / iːən

Scottish; Hebrew

Meaning

Scottish: God is gracious; Hebrew: Gift from God

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Ian is of Scottish Gaelic origin, derived from the name Iain, which is a form of the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning "God is gracious." The transition from Hebrew to Gaelic occurred through the intermediary forms of Greek (Ioannis) and Latin (Iohannes), which were widely used in Christian contexts. The name Iain was adopted in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands, where it became a common name among Gaelic speakers, eventually anglicized to Ian in English-speaking contexts.

Historically, the name Ian has been borne by several notable figures, particularly in Scottish history. One of the earliest recorded uses of the name in Scotland dates back to the 12th century, with the name appearing in various forms in medieval texts. The name gained further prominence through the influence of saints, particularly Saint John the Baptist, whose feast day is celebrated in many Christian traditions. The name's association with biblical figures contributed to its enduring popularity in Christian communities throughout the centuries.

Culturally, Ian has resonated within Scottish literature and folklore, often symbolizing strength and grace. The name has been featured in various works of literature, including those from the Scottish Renaissance, and has been embraced in various forms of art and music. A notable diminutive of Ian is Iain, which retains the original Gaelic pronunciation and connection to its roots. The name's historical significance and cultural associations have helped it endure through the ages, making it a lasting choice in Scottish heritage.

Trend Summary

Ian has maintained a steady level of popularity in the United States, often ranking within the top 100 names for boys.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Iain
  • Iyan

International Variants

  • Ivan (Russian)
  • Juan (Spanish)
  • Giovanni (Italian)
  • Jan (Dutch)

Famous people named Ian

Ian McKellen is an actor best known for The Lord of the Rings, X-Men, and Richard III.

Ian Fleming is an author best known for creating the James Bond series.

Ian Somerhalder is an actor best known for The Vampire Diaries, Lost, and The Anomaly.

Ian Curtis is a musician best known as the lead singer of Joy Division.

Ian Wright is a former footballer best known for playing with Arsenal and the England national team.

Ian Hecox is a YouTuber best known for being part of the comedy duo Smosh.

Ian McDiarmid is an actor best known for his role as Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars series.

Ian Ziering is an actor best known for his role in Beverly Hills, 90210 and Sharknado.

Fictional characters named Ian

Ian Malcolm is a fictional character from the novel and film Jurassic Park. He is a mathematician and chaos theorist who provides critical insights into the dangers of genetic engineering.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Ian was first seen in the United States in 1912. Ian has ranked as high as #101 nationally, which occurred in 2005, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Ian has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Ian (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 723
17%
CA 644
15%
FL 338
8%
NY 323
8%
NC 162
4%
IL 160
4%
GA 146
3%
PA 124
3%
VA 115
3%
TN 105
2%
OH 103
2%
MD 98
2%
AZ 96
2%
WA 85
2%
MA 84
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19126
19137
191410
191515
191615
191719
191811
19199
192010
192115
19229
192322
192428
192519
192624
192727
192840
192931
193045
193143
193240
193327
193441
193545
193644
193750
193849
193961
194056
194162
194280
194364
194468
194564
194685
1947111
194887
1949102
1950123
1951104
1952120
1953157
1954171
1955175
1956194
1957213
1958205
1959208
1960242
1961242
1962281
1963360
1964429
1965489
1966621
1967771
1968716
1969827
19701,117
19711,200
19721,248
19731,302
19741,654
19751,718
19761,937
19772,287
19782,172
19792,553
19802,909
19812,929
19823,576
19833,665
19843,794
19853,999
19863,714
19873,924
19884,315
19894,948
19905,460
19915,324
19925,536
19935,399
19945,267
19955,595
19965,410
19975,210
19985,353
19995,450
20005,886
20016,084
20026,361
20036,466
20046,507
20056,688
20066,154
20076,250
20085,723
20095,807
20105,561
20115,619
20125,694
20135,432
20145,461
20155,329
20165,079
20175,033
20184,704
20194,550
20204,266
20214,300
20224,501
20234,551
20244,547