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Banyan

♂ Boy

Pronounced BAN-yun /ˈbæn.jən/Medium

Meaning: From the English word banyan, the great spreading fig tree of India — sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism. The word came through Gujarati 'banya' (a Hindu trader) for traders who gathered under such trees. A nature name.Low

In 30 seconds: A rooted nature name: Banyan is the great spreading fig tree of India (said 'BAN-yun'). Calm and grounded.

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningFrom the English word banyan, the great spreading fig tree of India — sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism. The word came through Gujarati 'banya' (a Hindu trader) for traders who gathered under such trees. A nature name.

U.S. rank (2023)#9004 ↘ Falling

2023 U.S. births8 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2011

Total births (all-time)≈ 363

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Banyan is the English word for the great spreading fig of India, a tree held sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism; the word traces to Gujarati 'banya,' a trader. As a name it reads grounded and green — rare in the U.S. (said 'BAN-yun').

In the U.S. it appears only recently and rarely as a name. Rare, leafy, and grounded.

Did you know? Banyan names the great spreading fig tree of India — sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism — whose name came through Gujarati 'banya' (a trader) for the merchants who gathered in its shade; a calm, grounded nature pick (said 'BAN-yun').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Banyan — English word; the banyan (fig) tree; via Gujarati 'banya'

Variations

BanyenBanianBanyann

Nicknames

BanYani

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Banyan mean?

Banyan is the English word for the great spreading fig tree of India, sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism; the word came through Gujarati 'banya,' a trader.

How do you pronounce Banyan?

It's said BAN-yun /ˈbæn.jən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Banyan a boy or girl name?

Banyan is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Banyan?

Banyan is a rare, recent name in the U.S.