What origin is the name Ian?

Ian comes from hebrew naming traditions. Names from this origin often carry meanings tied to nature, virtues or heritage.

Is Ian a popular name?

Ian is very rare in official US birth records — fewer than 5 babies of this gender were given the name in any year we checked.

Yes. Ian does not appear in US Social Security birth records, which list every name given to at least 5 babies, so it is rare in the US.

What are good sister names for Ian?

Names from the same hebrew tradition pair naturally with Ian — for example Isabella, Abigail, Elizabeth. You can browse more on our hebrew names page.

Ian

Discover the meaning and origin of the name Ian

Ian

Boy

hebrew

1 syllable

Ian is a hebrew boy's name meaning "Gift from god; god is gracious; gift from god the gaelic form of the name john".

Parents who choose Ian pick a boy name from the hebrew tradition, meaning "Gift from god; god is gracious; gift from god the gaelic form of the name john". At just 3 letters, it is short and easy to say. It has 1 syllable.

Origin: hebrew
Gender: Boy
Syllables: 1

Meaning compiled from public name lists.