Ian is a name known for posh simplicity. As a successful Scottish name, Ian has a rich heritage and an important place in popular culture. Ian Chesterton is a notable character in Doctor Who, and Ian Malcolm is a central character in the Jurassic Park franchise. Keep reading to learn more about this name.
Meaning and Origin of the name Ian:
Ian is the Scottish form of the Hebrew name Yohanan (meaning “God is gracious”). This name began as the Scottish Gaelic forename Iain and underwent Anglicization to produce Ian. The name corresponds to the English name John and the Irish name Sean.
Symbolism of the name Ian:
Ian is the Scottish equivalent of the English name John. In the Bible, John is one of the four evangelists who wrote the four canonical gospels. The symbol for John is the eagle.
Nicknames for the name Ian:
- Ianny
- Iannie
- Ia
- I
- In
- An
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Style of the name Ian:
Traditional
Gender of the name Ian:
Ian is a boy's name.
Pronunciation of the name Ian:
EE-an
Number of syllables in the name Ian:
Two
Emotion evoked from the name Ian:
The name Ian evokes feelings of hope and endurance.
Alternative spellings for the name Ian:
- Iain
- Ioane
- Eoin
- Eian
Popularity of the name Ian:
According to the Social Security Administration index, Ian was the 83rd most popular name for boys in 2020.
Related names for the name Ian:
Great middle names for Ian and their meanings:
- Augustine (great, magnificent)
- Beckett (beehive)
- Clark (scribe, cleric, clerk)
- Emmett (universal)
- Grant (large, tall, great)
- Jedidiah (beloved of the Lord)
- Joseph (God will increase)
- Kirby (church settlement)
- Maximus (the greatest)
- Wyatt (brave)
Famous people with the name Ian:
- Ian Scott Anderson (musician)
- Ian Robert Astbury (singer)
- Ian Michael Baker-Finch (golfer)
- Ian Ronald Bell (cricketer)
- Ian Stuart Bohen (actor)
- Ian Douglas Cole (hockey player)
- Ian Lancaster Fleming (novelist)
- Ian Patrick Kennedy (baseball player)
- Ian Alexander Macdonald (lawyer)
- Ian Andrew Ziering (actor)
Ian in popular culture:
- Ian Chesterton (supporting character in Doctor Who)
- Ian Clayton Gallagher (character on the television series Shameless)
- Ian Hawke (character in Alvin and the Chipmunks)
- Ian Malcolm (main character in Jurassic Park: The Lost World)
- Ian Miller (fiancé in My Big Fat Greek Wedding)