Rising since 1992, #3,583 for boys today.
Popularity of Yoan since 1988
Babies named Yoan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 55 |
| 2000s | 156 |
| 2010s | 157 |
| 2020s | 153 |
Meaning & origin
Yoan is a variant of John, a name with deep biblical roots, but its modern usage in France and the United States reflects a trend toward shorter, international forms. First recorded in the U.S. in 1988, Yoan has seen a gradual rise in popularity since 1992, with its peak so far in 2024 when it ranked 3,583. With 1 in 55,099 babies receiving the name, it remains rare but recognizable. The name's clean spelling and soft sound make it a cross-cultural choice, though it has not yet entered the top baby name lists in any state. Its trajectory suggests steady, if modest, growth.
Yoan is a French and Bulgarian variant of John, derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." In France, it is a relatively modern adaptation, gaining use from the late 20th century. The name also appears in Slavic contexts as a short form of Yoan or Yoan.
“Yoan” around the world
Where Yoan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
45
babies in 2024
Quebec
11
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Yo
Sibling names for Yoan
Names that share Yoan's style, for a brother or sister.
