Rising since 1994, #1,217 for boys today.
Popularity of Luan since 1926
Babies named Luan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 | 0 |
| 1930s | 94 | 0 |
| 1940s | 87 | 0 |
| 1950s | 214 | 0 |
| 1960s | 115 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 25 |
| 1980s | 0 | 79 |
| 1990s | 0 | 87 |
| 2000s | 0 | 124 |
| 2010s | 0 | 263 |
| 2020s | 0 | 529 |
Meaning & origin
Luan is a name with dual origins, primarily Portuguese and Vietnamese, that has seen a steady rise in use in the United States since 1994. It first appeared on the U.S. naming charts in 1975 and reached its peak popularity in 2025, ranking 1217. The name is most common in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Florida. Its meaning, connected to 'moon' or 'bright', gives it a poetic quality. Though still relatively uncommon (about 1 in every 10,290 newborns), Luan's gentle sound and multicultural appeal have contributed to its growing favor among parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name.
Luan has multiple origins. In Portuguese, it is a variant of Luciano, derived from the Latin 'Lucianus' meaning 'light' or 'born at daybreak'. In Vietnamese, Luan (Luân) is a name meaning 'clever, bright' or 'smooth, flowing'. The name has been used in Brazil and Portugal since the mid-20th century, and among Vietnamese communities worldwide.
Where Luan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Luan” around the world
Where Luan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
30
babies in 2024
Ireland
11
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lu
Variants: Luã, Luân
Sibling names for Luan
Names that share Luan's style, for a brother or sister.
