Ian is a distinctive girls' name in United States, ranking #9860 in 2023 with 10 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2004 with 24 births ranking #5266. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 37.5%. In 2023, approximately 1 in every 160,265 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.