Ian: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

By Tara Gunn

Updated June 12, 2024

Table of contents

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Ian mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Scottish: God is gracious
Hebrew: God's grace

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Ian is pronounced ee-uhn

The name Ian is of Scottish origin, derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning "God is gracious." It is the Scottish Gaelic form of John and has been a popular given name due to its strong biblical roots and pleasing phonetic qualities.

Boy name variations

How Popular Is The Name Ian

Famous people with this first name

Ian Ziering

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Kate Mulgrew

Ian in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park - A charismatic mathematician and chaos theorist.
Ian Gallagher from Shameless - A complex character struggling with various personal challenges.
Ian Lightfoot from Onward - A young elf on a quest to bring back his deceased father.
Ian Chesterton from Doctor Who - A science teacher and one of the Doctor's first companions.
Ian Doyle from Criminal Minds - A dangerous criminal mastermind with a personal vendetta.

Popularity of the Name Ian

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Ian has consistently remained popular in the United States. As of 2023, it ranks within the top 100 names for boys, showcasing its enduring appeal. Historically, the name Ian is a Scottish form of John and has been borne by notable individuals such as actor Ian McKellen, known for his role as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings series, and writer Ian Fleming, the creator of the iconic James Bond character. Fictional characters named Ian include Ian Gallagher from the series Shameless and Ian Lightfoot from the animated film Onward. The name's timeless charm and strong historical roots continue to make it a favored choice among parents.