Holding steady, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Chan since 1919
Babies named Chan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 6 |
| 1920s | 0 | 19 |
| 1930s | 0 | 38 |
| 1940s | 0 | 48 |
| 1950s | 21 | 87 |
| 1960s | 5 | 127 |
| 1970s | 15 | 155 |
| 1980s | 116 | 199 |
| 1990s | 43 | 143 |
| 2000s | 12 | 103 |
| 2010s | 0 | 84 |
| 2020s | 0 | 26 |
Meaning & origin
Chan is a rare name in the United States, first recorded in 1919. It reached its peak popularity in 1986 but has since declined. As of 2025, it ranks 9714, with approximately 1 in 244,011 boys receiving the name. Its trajectory is stable, indicating consistent but minimal usage. The name's origins are obscure, possibly stemming from the surname Channing or as a shortened form of names like Chancellor. Its simplicity and unisex sound give it a modern feel, though it remains an uncommon choice.
Chan is a name of uncertain etymology. It may be a variant of Channing, an English surname derived from Old English 'cennan' meaning 'to produce' or 'to give birth.' Alternatively, it might be a short form of names like Chancellor or Chanler, or a modern coinage. The name saw occasional use in the 20th century, peaking in the 1980s.
Sibling names for Chan
Names that share Chan's style, for a brother or sister.
