Ran

♂ Boy

Pronounced RAHN /ˈrɑːn/Medium

Meaning: Ran has two well-attested routes. In Japanese it is usually written with the character for 'orchid' and used for both sexes. In Hebrew, Ran is a modern name meaning 'he sang; joyful song', used mainly for boys in Israel. Which route applies depends on the family, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: One clean beat: Ran is Hebrew for 'joyful song' and Japanese for 'orchid' — routes vary by family (said 'RAHN').

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Origin LowJapanese, Hebrew

MeaningRan has two well-attested routes. In Japanese it is usually written with the character for 'orchid' and used for both sexes. In Hebrew, Ran is a modern name meaning 'he sang; joyful song', used mainly for boys in Israel. Which route applies depends on the family, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#13727 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1979

Total births (all-time)≈ 94

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

Ran is short and old in more than one place. In Israel it is a modern Hebrew boys' name from the root meaning 'to sing' — 'joyful song'. In Japan it is a name meaning 'orchid', used across sexes. It is also the title of Kurosawa's late epic. Routes vary by family, which we note (said 'RAHN').

In the U.S. it is very rare as a given name. Rare, spare, and quietly striking.

Did you know? Ran travels in two very different worlds: a modern Hebrew boys' name meaning 'joyful song', and a Japanese name written with the character for 'orchid'. Same three letters, two heritages — which one applies depends on the family (said 'RAHN').

Overall data confidence 45%

References — Ran — Hebrew 'joyful song'; Japanese 'orchid'; routes vary

Variations

RannRonRani

Nicknames

RaniRanny

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ran…

Ren— a like one-beat Japanese name

Ari— a like short modern Hebrew pick

Eitan— a like Israeli boys' name

Kai— a same-length, cross-culture name

Explore names like Ran

By themeuncertain hebrew short japanese

By meaningFlower Joy

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ran mean?

In Hebrew Ran means 'joyful song'; in Japanese it is a name meaning 'orchid'. Which route applies depends on the family, which we note.

How do you pronounce Ran?

It's said RAHN /ˈrɑːn/ — one syllable, with an open 'ah'.

Is Ran a boy or girl name?

Here Ran is used as a boy's name; in Japan it is used across sexes.

How popular is Ran?

Ran is a very rare given name for boys in the U.S.