Ian is a distinctive girls' name in United States, ranking #5882 in 1996 with 16 recorded births. This places Ian in the top 37% of ranked US girls' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Rare. The name reached its all-time peak in 2004 with 24 births ranking #5266. In 1996, approximately 1 in every 109,560 girls born was named Ian. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
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.