Ethan

Ethan is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning “Strong, firm”, pronounced EE-thun. It ranked #24 in the United States in 2025, given to 7,852 babies, and peaked at #2 in 2009. Common nicknames: Eth, E.

GenderBoy
OriginHebrew
MeaningStrong, firm
PronunciationEE-thun

How popular is Ethan in the United States?

#24Rank in 2025
7,852Births in 2025
#2 in 2009Peak Popularity
↓ Declining10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

What does Ethan mean, and where does it come from?

Ethan derives from the Hebrew name Eitan, meaning "strong," "firm," or "enduring." In the Old Testament, Ethan the Ezrahite was celebrated for his great wisdom, mentioned in 1 Kings as one of the wisest men of his era. The name was used occasionally in English-speaking countries from the Puritan era onward but remained uncommon until the late 20th century. It entered the US top 10 in 2002 and held the number-two spot for several years, making it one of the defining names of its generation.

How is Ethan used around the world?

Ethan is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants.

Languages
English
Details

TypeMale given name

International Variants
Eathan
I-deunKorean

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

What are the nicknames for Ethan?

EthE

Famous People Named Ethan

  • Ethan Hawke — American actor and novelist
  • Ethan Coen — American filmmaker (Coen Brothers)
  • Ethan Allen — American Revolutionary War patriot

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Sibling Name Ideas for Ethan

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Ethan mean?

Ethan is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Strong, firm." Ethan derives from the Hebrew name Eitan, meaning "strong," "firm," or "enduring." In the Old Testament, Ethan the Ezrahite was celebrated for his great wisdom, mentioned in 1 Kings as one of the wisest men of his era.

How do you pronounce Ethan?

Ethan is pronounced EE-thun. Common variations include Eitan, Ethen, Eathan.

Is Ethan a boy name?

Yes, Ethan is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Eth, E.

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