Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Tian

Tian

♂ Boy

Pronounced TYEN /ˈtjɛn/Medium

Meaning: From Chinese tian, 'sky, heaven; day' (a profound concept of the divine/cosmic order)Medium

In 30 seconds: Sky and heaven: Tian is Chinese for 'heaven, the sky' — a profound word for the cosmic order. Lofty, serene, and strong.
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumChinese
MeaningFrom Chinese tian, 'sky, heaven; day' (a profound concept of the divine/cosmic order)
U.S. rank (2025)#7145 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births12 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2023
Total births (all-time)≈ 373

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202319812025

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

Tian comes from Chinese tian, 'sky, heaven; day' — a profound concept of heaven and the cosmic order (as in the Mandate of Heaven). A lofty, serene name, used for both sexes, here for boys.

In the U.S. it appears in Chinese families. Rare, heaven at the root, and lofty.

Did you know? Tian means 'sky, heaven' in Chinese — a deep concept of heaven and the cosmic/moral order (the 'Mandate of Heaven'); lofty and serene.
Overall data confidence 78%
Chinese references — tian — etymology

Variations

TienTyan

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

  • ★Tian Liang (1979-)
    Chinese Olympic gold-medal diver who competed at the 2000 and 2004 Games
  • ★Tian Zhuangzhuang (1952-)
    Chinese film director associated with the Fifth Generation of Chinese cinema

If you like Tian…

Kai— a companion short name
Bo— a fellow single-syllable name
Tai— lands in the same popularity range
Ren— lands in the same popularity range
Minh— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Tian

By themecelestialchinese
By meaningGod / DivineSky / Heaven

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Tian mean?

Tian is Chinese for 'sky, heaven; day'.

How do you pronounce Tian?

It's said TYEN /ˈtjɛn/ — a single syllable.

Is Tian a boy or girl name?

Tian is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Tian?

Tian is a rare name in the U.S.

💬 Ask Nia