Ian is a distinctive boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #585 in 2025 with 66 recorded births. This places Ian in the top 10% of ranked UK boys' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Uncommon. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 253 births ranking #138. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 73.9%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 4,120 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.