MallowbyNames

Zayan

ZAH-yahn · Of debated origin; likely means 'beauty' or 'grace' in Arabic, or possibly from a Persian root meaning 'bright' or 'light'.

2025 rank (boys)
#1,015
Babies named in 2025
221
Peak popularity
2025
2025 frequency
1 in 7,729 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 1999

Rising since 1999, #1,015 for boys today.

Popularity of Zayan since 1999

Babies named Zayan per year in U.S. Social Security records.

74147221200020102020Most births 2025Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1990s6
2000s214
2010s917
2020s1,138

Meaning & origin

Zayan entered U.S. naming records in 1999 and has shown a consistent upward trajectory, ranking 1015 in 2025 with an estimated 1 in 7729 newborn boys receiving the name. Its peak year in popularity is 2025, reflecting a sustained rise over more than two decades. The name saw particular use in states such as New York, Virginia, and Minnesota, suggesting a concentration among communities where Arabic and South Asian names are common. While its exact etymological roots are debated, Zayan is most often associated with Arabic or Persian origins, carrying connotations of beauty, grace, or light. This modern and stylish name has become a distinctive choice for families seeking a name that feels both contemporary and culturally resonant.

Zayan is a name of uncertain derivation, though it is most commonly associated with Arabic roots where it may relate to words for beauty, grace, or adornment. Some sources also suggest a Persian origin linked to terms meaning bright or light. The name has gained traction in Muslim communities across South Asia and the Middle East, and has risen in popularity in the United States since the late 1990s, particularly among families of South Asian descent.

Where Zayan is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Zayan” around the world

Where Zayan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    195

    babies in 2024

  • Ireland

    6

    babies in 2025

  • Quebec

    16

    babies in 2025

Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Zay, Z

Variants: Zayyan, Zayaan, Zaian

Sibling names for Zayan

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

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

Z is for Zayan, our favorite little boy.

Z is for Zayan…”

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

Make Zayan's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Zayan mean?
The meaning of Zayan is debated. It is thought to derive from Arabic words meaning 'beauty' or 'grace,' or from Persian roots meaning 'bright' or 'light.'
How popular is the name Zayan?
As of 2025, Zayan ranked 1015 in the United States, with approximately 1 in 7729 boys given the name that year. Its popularity has been rising steadily since 1999.
Is Zayan a boy's name or a girl's name?
Zayan is primarily used as a boy's name.