MallowbyNames

Vahan

vah-HAHN · Shield; protector.

Peak popularity
1925
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Vahan since 1917

Babies named Vahan per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2024, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Vahan's real moment was 1925.

4812192019602000Most births 2024Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1910s11
1920s32
1930s5
1940s0
1950s0
1960s0
1970s0
1980s13
1990s29
2000s22
2010s63
2020s36

Meaning & origin

Vahan is a name of Armenian origin, derived from the Old Persian word for shield or protector. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1917. While it has never been common, its peak usage came in 1925. The name has maintained a stable but low level of use over the decades, never entering the top 1000. Despite its rarity, Vahan carries a strong, meaningful heritage and is occasionally chosen by families honoring their Armenian roots.

Vahan is an Armenian name derived from the Old Persian word for 'shield' or 'protector'. It has been in use among Armenian communities for centuries, often chosen for its strong, protective connotation. The name appears in Armenian history and literature, though it remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Van

Sibling names for Vahan

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

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

V is for Vahan, our favorite little boy.

V is for Vahan…”

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

Make Vahan's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Vahan mean?
Vahan means 'shield' or 'protector', originating from Old Persian.
How popular is the name Vahan?
Vahan does not rank among the top 1000 names in the U.S. in recent years. Its peak popularity was in 1925, according to available data.
Is Vahan a boy's name?
Yes, Vahan is traditionally a boy's name.