Ian is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #388 in 2005 with 78 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 253 births ranking #138. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 69.2%. In 2005, approximately 1 in every 3,967 boys born was named Ian. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Ian is the Scottish form of John and shares the meaning "God is gracious". It is short, crisp, and one of the most enduring quietly classic boys' names.
The name has long been used in Scotland and later spread widely through the English-speaking world. Its appeal comes from combining simplicity with genuine historical depth.