Rising since 2011, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Mahan since 2009
Babies named Mahan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 58 |
| 2020s | 38 |
Meaning & origin
Mahan first entered U.S. birth records in 2009 and has since gained steady traction. Its peak year came in 2019, and the name has been on an upward trajectory since 2011. While still rare (1 in 244,011 in 2025), its Persian roots lend it a distinctive sound. The name's exact meaning remains debated, likely drawing from either Persian 'māh' or Sanskrit 'mahān'. Despite its rarity and lack of strong association with any U.S. state, Mahan appeals to families seeking a name with ancient resonance and modern freshness.
Mahan is a name of uncertain origin, though most likely rooted in Persian. One theory connects it to the Persian word 'māh' meaning 'moon', while another links it to Sanskrit 'mahān' meaning 'great'. It has seen modest but increasing use in the United States since first appearing in records in 2009.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Mahan
Sibling names for Mahan
Names that share Mahan's style, for a brother or sister.
