HomeBaby Names DirectoryJahan

Jahan

♂ Boy

Pronounced jə-HAHN /dʒəˈhɑn/High

Meaning: World, universe; from Persian jahan, famous from the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, 'King of the World'High

In 30 seconds: A name the size of everything: Jahan is Persian for 'world' — the word in Shah Jahan, the emperor who answered grief with the Taj Mahal.
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Origin HighPersian
MeaningWorld, universe; from Persian jahan, famous from the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, 'King of the World'
U.S. rank (2024)#3235 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births37 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2018
Total births (all-time)≈ 790

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201819712024

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

History & Origin

Jahan is the Persian word for 'world', a favorite element of Persianate royal style — Shah Jahan ('King of the World') above all, with princesses Jahanara and conquerors Jahangir ('world-seizer') in the family album. The word names worlds across Iran, South Asia, and the Persian-influenced sphere.

As an American given name it is rare, used in Iranian, South Asian, and Black American families — its sound sliding comfortably near John and Jovan. Few names offer this much scope per letter.

Did you know? Shah Jahan — 'King of the World' — built the Taj Mahal as a tomb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal; the world's most famous monument to love bears this name's signature.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Jahan — etymology

Variations

JahaanJehanGehan

Nicknames

Jay

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Jahan…

Kian— a fellow Persian name riding modern American sound
Darius— the Persian royal classic Americans know
Armaan— a Persian-Urdu favorite of the same warmth
Zayan— another sleek two-syllable Muslim-world pick

Browse the whole category: All Persian names →  ·  All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jahan mean?

Jahan is Persian for 'world' or 'universe', famous from the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, 'King of the World'.

How do you pronounce Jahan?

It's said jə-HAHN /dʒəˈhɑn/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Jahan a boy or girl name?

Jahan is mainly a boy's name; Jahanara is a classic feminine compound.

How popular is Jahan?

Jahan is a rare name in the U.S.