MallowbyNames

Iaan

EE-an · God is gracious

Peak popularity
2016
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 2007

Rising since 2007.

Popularity of Iaan since 2006

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

6121820102020Most births 2016Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
2000s11
2010s91
2020s32

Meaning & origin

Iaan is a rare Gaelic variant of Ian, itself the Scottish form of John. First recorded in the U.S. in 2006, the name has been steadily rising in popularity since 2007, with its peak year in 2016. Although it remains uncommon, Iaan carries the timeless meaning 'God is gracious' and offers a distinctive spelling of a classic name. It has been used primarily for boys, and its trajectory shows increasing interest among parents seeking a traditional name with a modern twist.

Iaan is a Gaelic variant of John, derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'Yahweh is gracious'. It is a Scottish and Irish spelling of Ian, which itself is the Gaelic form of John. The name has been used in Scotland and Ireland for centuries, and its popularity in the United States has grown since the 2000s.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Ian

Variants: Ian, Iain, Ean

Sibling names for Iaan

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

Sisters: Emma, Ava, Lily, Mia, Sophie

Brothers: Liam, Noah, Oliver, Ethan, Owen

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

I is for Iaan, our favorite little boy.

I is for Iaan…”

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

Make Iaan's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Iaan mean?
Iaan means 'God is gracious', derived from the Hebrew Yochanan.
How popular is Iaan?
Iaan has been given to a few dozen boys per year since 2006. It peaked in 2016 and has been rising in usage since 2007.
Is Iaan a boy's name or a girl's name?
Iaan is predominantly a boy's name.