Ian

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Ian

Ian is a Celtic boy name, which has 3 letters.

Ian is a name of Scottish origin that means "God is gracious."

Pronuncation EE-uhn

Alternate Meaning God is gracious

Origin or Current Usage Celtic

Gender M

Rating

Log in to save this name to your favorites.

What to Expect When You're Expecting

Buy On Amazon

The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be

Buy On Amazon

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide

Buy On Amazon

Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby's First Years

Buy On Amazon

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy

Buy On Amazon
These are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Detailed Information About The Name Ian

The name 'Ian' is of Scottish origin and is derived from the name 'John', which means 'God is gracious'. It is a popular name among boys and is often used in Scotland, Ireland, and other English-speaking countries. Ian is traditionally pronounced as 'EE-an', but it can also be pronounced as 'EYE-an' or 'YAN' depending on the regional dialect. The name Ian has been used for centuries and has a rich history.

Historically, there have been many notable individuals named Ian who have made significant contributions in various fields. Ian Fleming, for example, was a renowned British author who created the iconic character James Bond. His spy novels became immensely popular around the world. Ian McKellen, on the other hand, is a highly acclaimed British actor with a distinguished career in both theater and film. He is known for his roles in movies like 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy and 'X-Men' series.

The name Ian has also been prominent in the sporting world. Ian Thorpe, an Australian swimmer, became one of the most successful athletes in Olympic history. With numerous gold medals to his name, Thorpe gained widespread recognition for his exceptional swimming abilities. Moreover, Ian Poulter, a professional golfer from England, has achieved great success on the PGA European Tour and has represented Europe in the prestigious Ryder Cup.

In conclusion, the name Ian holds a significant place in history, literature, entertainment, and sports. Its Scottish origin and meaning 'God is gracious' give it a timeless appeal. Whether pronounced as 'EE-an', 'EYE-an', or 'YAN', the name Ian continues to be a popular choice for parents worldwide.

Similar Celtic Baby Names

Search Baby Names & Meanings

Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!

Celebrity Baby Names

Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.

Celebrity Baby Names

Naming Your Baby

Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.

Naming Your Baby

Unusual Baby Names

Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.

Unusual Baby Names

Biblical Baby Names

Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!

Biblical Baby Names

Types of Baby Names

The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.

Types of Baby Names