MallowbyNames

Ayan

AH-yahn · Depending on origin: in Arabic, it can mean 'time', 'era', or 'God's gift'; in Sanskrit, it may mean 'speed' or 'path'.

2025 rank (boys)
#762
Babies named in 2025
338
Peak popularity
2025
2025 frequency
1 in 5,053 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 1986

Rising since 1986, #762 for boys today.

Popularity of Ayan since 1975

Babies named Ayan per year in U.S. Social Security records.

113225338198020002020Most births 2025GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1970s05
1980s55
1990s13747
2000s262561
2010s2951,807
2020s1521,666

Meaning & origin

Ayan entered the U.S. naming scene in 1975 and has been on a steady upward trajectory, rising since 1986. In 2025, it ranked 762 nationally, with about 1 in 5,053 newborn boys receiving the name. Its peak year so far is 2025, suggesting continued growth. The name is most popular in Virginia, Michigan, and New York. Ayan's appeal likely stems from its cross-cultural resonance, bridging Arabic and Sanskrit origins, and its short, melodic sound fits modern naming trends.

Ayan has multiple potential origins. In Arabic, it is derived from the root 'ayn, relating to time or a gift from God. In Sanskrit, it may be related to 'ayana' meaning 'path' or 'speed'. The name has been used in various cultures, including among Muslim and Hindu communities, though its modern usage in the United States is primarily influenced by its Arabic roots.

Where Ayan is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Ayan” around the world

Where Ayan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    250

    babies in 2024

  • Ireland

    17

    babies in 2025

  • Quebec

    30

    babies in 2025

Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Ayaan, Ayyan

Sibling names for Ayan

Names that share Ayan's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

A is for Ayan, our favorite little boy.

A is for Ayan…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Ayan's letter becomes Ayan's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Ayan's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Ayan mean?
Ayan has multiple potential meanings. In Arabic, it can mean 'time', 'era', or 'God's gift'. In Sanskrit, it may mean 'speed' or 'path'.
How popular is the name Ayan?
As of 2025, Ayan ranked 762 in the United States, with approximately 1 in 5,053 newborns given this name. It has been rising in popularity since 1986.
Is Ayan a boy's name or a girl's name?
Ayan is primarily used as a boy's name, though it can be unisex in some cultures.