Ian
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Scottish Gaelic form of John — from the Hebrew Yochanan (יוֹחָנָן)
Gender: Boy
Rank in Australia: #36
Total births: 15,258
History: Ian peaked in the 1950s-60s as a distinctly Australian name of that era. Ian Thorpe — the Thorpedo — became Australia's greatest swimmer, winning five Olympic gold medals and redefining the sport. In Australia, Ian means the pool, gold medals, and national pride.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (1989) | #78 |
| Babies named Ian in 1989 | 103 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 15,258 |
| Peak year | 1955 (829 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #9 |
| Years in records | 1952–1989 (38 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 11 spots |
Frequently asked about Ian
What does the name Ian mean?
Ian means “God is gracious” from Scottish Gaelic form of John — from the Hebrew Yochanan (יוֹחָנָן) roots.
What is the origin of the name Ian?
Ian has Scottish Gaelic form of John — from the Hebrew Yochanan (יוֹחָנָן) origin. The traditional meaning is “God is gracious”.
How popular is Ian in Australia?
Ian ranked #78 in Australia in 1989 — given to 103 babies that year.
When was Ian most popular?
Ian peaked in 1955 with 829 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Ian a boy or girl name?
Ian is predominantly a boys' name in Australia — over 90% of Ians in registered births are male.
Is the name Ian rising or falling in popularity?
Ian has fallen 11 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #67 in 1984 to #78 in 1989.
How long has Ian been recorded in Australia?
Ian appears in birth records in Australia across 38 years — from 1952 through 1989.