Ian
God is gracious — a boy name of Scottish origin
Popularity of Ian in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Ian
Ian is the Scottish Gaelic form of John, derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning "God is gracious." The name became widely popular outside Scotland in the mid-20th century, partly through the fame of Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond. It offers a streamlined, modern alternative to the more traditional John while retaining the same profound meaning. Ian peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1990s and 2000s but remains a well-liked name globally, favoured for its simplicity and international accessibility.
Ian Around the World
Ian is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 52+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Ian
Famous People Named Ian
- Ian Fleming — British author, creator of James Bond
- Ian McKellen — English actor
- Ian Botham — English cricketer
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Sibling Name Ideas for Ian
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ian mean?
Ian is a boy name of Scottish origin meaning "God is gracious." Ian is the Scottish Gaelic form of John, derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning "God is gracious." The name became widely popular outside Scotland in the mid-20th century, partly through the fame of Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond.
How do you pronounce Ian?
Ian is pronounced EE-un. Common variations include Iain, Eoin, Ean.
Is Ian a boy name?
Yes, Ian is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Ee, Anno.
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