Van
Van is a boy name of Dutch origin meaning “Of, from”, pronounced VAN. It ranked #972 in the United States in 2025, given to 236 babies, and peaked at #234 in 1891. Common nicknames: Vanny.
How popular is Van in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Van mean, and where does it come from?
Van is the Dutch particle meaning "of" or "from," the piece at the front of thousands of surnames — van Gogh, van Dyke, van Buren — and in America it became a given name in its own right, often short for Vann, Evan or Ivan. It stood at 234th place in 1891. Van Morrison, born George Ivan Morrison in Belfast, and the actors Van Heflin and Van Johnson carried it through the twentieth century. It is a Turkish city and a Vietnamese name as well.
How is Van used around the world?
Van is used in 1 languages worldwide.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Van?
Famous People Named Van
- Van Morrison — Northern Irish singer and songwriter
- Van Heflin — American actor and Academy Award winner
- Van Jones — American commentator and civil rights advocate
Similar Names to Van
If you like Van, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Van
Looking for names that pair well with Van? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Van mean?
Van is a boy name of Dutch origin meaning "Of, from." Van is the Dutch particle meaning "of" or "from," the piece at the front of thousands of surnames — van Gogh, van Dyke, van Buren — and in America it became a given name in its own right, often short for Vann, Evan or Ivan. It stood at 234th place in 1891.
How do you pronounce Van?
Van is pronounced VAN. Common variations include Vann, Evan, Ivan.
Is Van a boy name?
Yes, Van is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Vanny.