Ian

♂ Boy

Pronounced EE-un /ˈiː.ən/High

Meaning: God is gracious; Scottish Gaelic form of John, from Hebrew YochananHigh

In 30 seconds: The Scottish Gaelic form of John meaning 'God is gracious.' Compact and crisp, Ian has been a perennial English-speaking favorite since the mid-20th century.

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Origin HighScottish Gaelic, Hebrew

MeaningGod is gracious; Scottish Gaelic form of John, from Hebrew Yochanan

Peak year2005

Total births (all-time)≈ 222,202

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Ian is the Scottish Gaelic form of John, which traces back through Latin Iohannes to Greek Ioannes and ultimately Hebrew Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' It became popular outside Scotland in the 20th century.

Ian spread to England and the broader English-speaking world in the 20th century, partly through literary fame. It has been a consistent U.S. top-100 boys' name since the 1970s.

Did you know? Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, helped popularize the name internationally after the first 007 novel appeared in 1953.

Variations

IainEoinIvan

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Ian Fleming (1908–1964)
British author who created James Bond in the spy novel series beginning with Casino Royale (1953).

If you like Ian…

Evan— another Celtic form of John with the same crisp sound

Finn— short Celtic boys' name with the same punchy simplicity

Liam— Irish form of William with the same two-syllable Celtic charm

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ian mean?

Ian is the Scottish Gaelic form of John, meaning 'God is gracious,' from the Hebrew Yochanan.

How do you pronounce Ian?

It is said EE-un /ˈiː.ən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ian a boy or girl name?

Ian is used almost exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Ian?

Ian has been a consistent U.S. top-100 boys' name since the 1970s.