Chan

♂ Boy

Pronounced CHAN /ˈtʃæn/High

Meaning: Chan is a widely borne Chinese family name (romanized, chiefly Cantonese), among the most common surnames in the Chinese-speaking world. In English it also serves as a short form of Chandler or Channing. Noted respectfully as a surname.Low

In 30 seconds: A crisp one-beat name: Chan is a common Chinese surname and an English short form (said 'CHAN'). Simple and strong.

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Origin MediumChinese, English

MeaningChan is a widely borne Chinese family name (romanized, chiefly Cantonese), among the most common surnames in the Chinese-speaking world. In English it also serves as a short form of Chandler or Channing. Noted respectfully as a surname.

U.S. rank (2025)#9885 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1986

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,035

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

Chan is a widely borne Chinese surname (romanized, largely Cantonese), among the most common in the Chinese-speaking world, carried by figures like Jackie Chan. In English it can shorten Chandler or Channing. As a given name it is crisp and rare in the U.S., and we note its surname roots respectfully (said 'CHAN').

As a first name it appears only rarely in the U.S. Rare, one-beat, and strong.

Did you know? Chan is one of the most common Chinese family names — romanized here, chiefly from Cantonese — and also serves in English as a short form of Chandler or Channing (said 'CHAN').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Chan — Chinese surname (romanized); English short form

Variations

ChannChandlerChanning

Nicknames

ChannyChan

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Chan…

Chandler— the name Chan can shorten

Channing— a like Chan- English name

Chase— a like crisp Ch- pick

Chad— a like short one-beat name

Explore names like Chan

By themeshort surname crisp chinese

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Chan mean?

Chan is a widely borne Chinese family name; in English it also shortens Chandler or Channing.

How do you pronounce Chan?

It's said CHAN /ˈtʃæn/ — one syllable.

Is Chan a boy or girl name?

Chan is a boy's name.

How popular is Chan?

Chan is rare as a first name in the U.S., though common as a surname.