Rising since 1986, #965 for boys today.
Popularity of Arian since 1969
Babies named Arian per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 | 0 |
| 1970s | 121 | 169 |
| 1980s | 203 | 301 |
| 1990s | 418 | 496 |
| 2000s | 395 | 1,128 |
| 2010s | 335 | 3,022 |
| 2020s | 101 | 1,596 |
Meaning & origin
Arian is a name with multiple claimed origins, blending Welsh and Persian roots with modern usage as a variant of more common names. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1970 and has seen a steady rise in popularity since 1986, peaking in 2013 at its highest rank of 965. In 2025, about 1 in 7,177 boys were named Arian, making it a relatively uncommon but increasingly visible choice. Top states for the name include Texas, Arizona, and Florida, reflecting a concentration in regions with diverse naming traditions. Its sound-alike appeal to popular names like Aiden and Liam may contribute to its gradual ascent.
The name Arian has multiple possible origins. In Wales, it is considered a variant of Arianrhod, from the Welsh elements 'arian' meaning 'silver' and 'rhod' meaning 'wheel'. In Persian, it is derived from 'Arya', meaning 'noble' or 'of the Aryan people'. In modern usage, it is also used as a spelling variant of Adrian or Ariana. The name has been in use in the United States since at least 1970, with increasing popularity in recent decades.
Where Arian is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Arian” around the world
Where Arian lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ari, Ar
Sibling names for Arian
Names that share Arian's style, for a brother or sister.
