Declining since 2003, #7,194 for boys today.
Popularity of Iain since 1953
Babies named Iain per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 16 |
| 1960s | 112 |
| 1970s | 157 |
| 1980s | 320 |
| 1990s | 618 |
| 2000s | 1,011 |
| 2010s | 522 |
| 2020s | 155 |
Meaning & origin
Iain is the Scottish Gaelic form of John, a name with deep biblical roots meaning 'God is gracious.' It first appeared on U.S. records in 1953, but its highest rank came in 2003 when it reached number 7,194. Since then, the name has been falling in use, with only about 1 in 155,280 boys receiving it in 2025. The name remains closely tied to Scottish heritage, though it has never been widely adopted in the United States, with no top states showing significant usage. Its appeal lies in its distinct spelling and strong cultural identity, making it a choice that honors Scottish ancestry without being overly common.
Iain is the Scottish Gaelic form of John, derived from the Hebrew Yohanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' It has been used in Scotland for centuries, particularly in the Highlands, and was popularized in the English-speaking world through figures like author Iain Banks. Despite its traditional roots, the name remains less common outside of Scotland.
Sibling names for Iain
Names that share Iain's style, for a brother or sister.
