Jaan

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Jaan

Pronounced YAHN /ˈjɑːn/Medium

Meaning: Two routes: Jaan is the Estonian form of John ('God is gracious'); separately, in Persian and Urdu 'jaan' means 'dear, life, soul' (a term of endearment). Both are honest readings of a short, one-beat name.Low

In 30 seconds: A one-beat name: Jaan — Estonian John; also 'dear, life' (Persian/Urdu) (said 'YAHN'). Estonian John, or Persian/Urdu 'dear, life', which we note.

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Origin LowEstonian, Persian

MeaningTwo routes: Jaan is the Estonian form of John ('God is gracious'); separately, in Persian and Urdu 'jaan' means 'dear, life, soul' (a term of endearment). Both are honest readings of a short, one-beat name.

U.S. rank (2022)#13107 ↘ Falling

2022 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2006

Total births (all-time)≈ 146

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

Jaan is the Estonian form of John, and also 'dear, life' in Persian and Urdu; a short two-route name (said 'YAHN').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, two-route, and single-beat.

Did you know? Jaan is the Estonian form of John ('God is gracious') — and, separately, 'jaan' in Persian and Urdu means 'dear, life, soul' (said 'YAHN').

Overall data confidence 44%

References — Jaan — Estonian John; also Persian/Urdu 'jaan' ('dear, life')

Variations

JanJohn

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Jaan…

Jan— a like European John form

Ivan— a like Slavic John form

Johan— a like Scandinavian John form

Jhan— a similarly popular pick

Shayan— shares Jaan's Persian roots

Explore names like Jaan

By themepersian one-syllable estonian god-is-gracious

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Jaan mean?

Jaan is the Estonian form of John ('God is gracious'); separately, in Persian and Urdu 'jaan' means 'dear, life, soul.'

How do you pronounce Jaan?

It's said YAHN /ˈjɑːn/ — one syllable.

Is Jaan a boy or girl name?

Here Jaan is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Jaan?

Jaan is extremely rare in the U.S. — a deep-tail, newly emerging name.