Declining since 2010, #1,793 for boys today.
Popularity of Ean since 1968
Babies named Ean per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 188 |
| 1980s | 397 |
| 1990s | 834 |
| 2000s | 2,191 |
| 2010s | 2,178 |
| 2020s | 763 |
Meaning & origin
Ean is an Irish variant of Ian, itself a form of John, meaning 'God is gracious'. First recorded in the U.S. in 1968, it reached its highest rank of 1793 in 2025, with about 1 in 19,192 newborn boys receiving the name that year. Its popularity has been falling since its peak in 2011, reflecting a broader trend away from traditional names. Ean is most strongly associated with states like New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. While not among the most common Irish names, its straightforward pronunciation and spelling make it an approachable choice for parents seeking a name with Celtic roots.
Ean is an Irish variant of Ian, itself a Scottish Gaelic form of John. John derives from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning 'God is gracious'. The form Ean emerged in Ireland as a variant spelling, primarily used in the 20th and 21st centuries. It gained modest popularity in the United States from the 1970s onward, often chosen as a distinctive alternative to Ian or Evan.
Where Ean 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.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Ean
Names that share Ean's style, for a brother or sister.
