Rising since 2004, #4,857 for boys today.
Popularity of Arshan since 2002
Babies named Arshan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 67 |
| 2010s | 210 |
| 2020s | 147 |
Meaning & origin
Arshan is a rare Persian name that has seen a steady rise in usage in the United States since it first appeared in 2002. In 2025, it ranked 4,857 with a frequency of 1 in 85,404 newborns, its peak year so far was 2018. The name is most commonly given in New York. Its ambiguous etymology, possibly meaning 'spear' or 'manly', reflects ancient Indo-Iranian roots and royal history. The name remains uncommon, giving it a distinctive appeal for families honoring Persian heritage.
Arshan is a name of Persian origin. It potentially derives from Old Persian *aršan meaning 'spear', or from Avestan aršan meaning 'male, manly'. The name appears in ancient Persian history, notably as a variant of Arsaces, the dynastic name of the Parthian kings. In modern times, it has gained some use in Iran and among diaspora communities.
Where Arshan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Arshan” around the world
Where Arshan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Arshi
Sibling names for Arshan
Names that share Arshan's style, for a brother or sister.
