Declining since 2004, #83 for boys today.
Popularity of Ian since 1912
Babies named Ian per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 92 |
| 1920s | 225 |
| 1930s | 445 |
| 1940s | 779 |
| 1950s | 1,670 |
| 1960s | 4,977 |
| 1970s | 17,186 |
| 1980s | 37,770 |
| 1990s | 54,007 |
| 2000s | 61,925 |
| 2010s | 52,475 |
| 2020s | 26,113 |
Meaning & origin
Ian is a name of Scottish origin, originally the Gaelic form of John, meaning 'God is gracious.' It has been in consistent use in the United States since at least 1912, when it was first recorded in Social Security data. The name reached its peak popularity in 2005, when it was the 31st most popular name, and has since been gradually declining in rank. In 2025, Ian ranked 83rd, with a frequency of 1 in 435 births, suggesting it remains a well-recognized and steady choice. Its highest concentrations are in New Jersey, Maryland, and New Mexico, reflecting enduring appeal across diverse regions.
Ian is the Scottish Gaelic form of John, derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' It was historically used in Scotland and gained wider popularity in the English-speaking world during the 20th century. The name is a direct borrowing of the Gaelic Iain, and its use spread through Scottish emigration and cultural influence.
Where Ian 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.
“Ian” around the world
Where Ian lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
30
babies in 2024
Ireland
17
babies in 2025
New Zealand
20
babies in 2025
Quebec
17
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: I
Sibling names for Ian
Names that share Ian's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Ian
Names whose popularity has moved with Ian's over the last 50 years.
