Ian
Gender: Boy
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Scottish Gaelic form of John — from the Hebrew Yochanan (יוֹחָנָן)
Popularity: Ranked #83 in 2025 with 3,924 babies born.
History: Ian is the Scottish Gaelic form of John, one of the most influential names in history. It entered English usage from Scotland in the 20th century and quickly became popular across the English-speaking world for its crisp, modern feel — all the gravitas of John compressed into two punchy letters. Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, gave it a sleek, sophisticated edge. Ian McKellen, Ian Curtis, and Ian McEwan have kept it in literary and cultural prominence. It has been in the U.S. top 100 for decades — short, strong, and impossibly cool.
Famous people named Ian: Ian McKellen (actor), Ian Fleming (author)
Name length: 3 letters
How common is Ian? About 1 in 847 babies born in 2025 were named Ian, or roughly 10.8 per day in the United States.
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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?
Ian ranked #83 in 2025 — given to 3,924 babies that year.
When was Ian most popular?
Ian peaked in 2005 with 6,688 babies registered that year.
Is Ian a boy or girl name?
Ian is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Ians in registered births are male.
Is the name Ian rising or falling in popularity?
Ian has risen 8370 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #8453 in 2020 to #83 in 2025.
How long has Ian been recorded?
Ian appears in birth records across 114 years — from 1912 through 2025.