Ian
Meaning of Ian
The name Ian is a classic male given name of Scottish Gaelic origin, pronounced as EE-an (/i.ɑn/) in Scottish Gaelic and EE-uhn (/i.ən/) in English. It is a variant of the name John, which means "God is gracious." The name Ian has been consistently popular in the United States for decades, maintaining a steady presence within the top 100 names since the early 2000s. In recent years, it ranked 70th in 2023 with 4,538 occurrences. The alternative spelling Iain is also used, though less commonly. Ian carries strong associations with Scottish heritage and has been borne by various notable figures including actors Ian McKellen and Ian Somerhalder, as well as musician Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull. Its timeless appeal continues to make it a favored choice for parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name for their baby boy.
Pronunciation
Scottish Gaelic
- Pronunced as EE-an (/i.ɑn/)
English
- Pronunced as EE-uhn (/i.ən/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Ian
| Sir Ian Murray McKellen is an iconic English actor known for his extensive career in both classical and popular genres, and has been honored with numerous awards and accolades. |
| Ian Kevin Curtis was an influential English singer, songwriter, and musician known for his work as the lead singer of the post-punk band Joy Division, characterized by his unique dancing style and dark baritone voice. |
| Ian Gillan is an English singer and lyricist, famous for his role as the lead singer of the rock band Deep Purple and his powerful vocal range. |
| Ian Richard Moss is an Australian rock musician known for his work with Cold Chisel and his successful solo career, including hits like "Tucker's Daughter" and "Telephone Booth." |
| Ian Hunter Patterson is an English singer, songwriter, and musician known for his time as the lead vocalist of the rock band Mott the Hoople and his successful solo career. |
| Ian Alexandrovich Nepomniachtchi is a Russian chess grandmaster known for his exceptional skills in the game. |
| Ian Liddell-Grainger - Ian Richard Peregrine Liddell-Grainger is a British Conservative Party politician and former property developer, serving as MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset. |
| Ian William Richardson was a Scottish actor known for his distinguished career in film, television, and theater. |
| Ian Timothy Whitcomb was a multi-talented English entertainer, singer-songwriter, and actor known for his hit song "You Turn Me On" during the British Invasion. |
| Sir Ian Holm Cuthbert was a highly acclaimed English actor known for his work on stage, television, and in films, receiving accolades such as two BAFTA Awards and a Tony Award. |
| Ian Dawson Tyson was a Canadian singer-songwriter known for folk songs like "Four Strong Winds" and "Someday Soon," and for performing with Sylvia Tyson as the duo Ian & Sylvia. |
| Arthur Ian Lavender is an English actor best known for playing Private Pike in the BBC sitcom Dad's Army and is the last surviving cast member of the series. |
| Lieutenant General Sir Edward Ian Claud Jacob, also known as Ian Jacob, was a British Army officer and Director-General of the BBC from 1952 to 1959. |
| Ian Richard McDonald was an English multi-instrumentalist and a founding member of King Crimson and Foreigner. |
| Sir Ian Wilmut was a British embryologist who led the team that successfully cloned the first mammal from an adult somatic cell, a Finnish Dorset lamb named Dolly. |
