Ian
Boy name · 6,722 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Ian: 6,722 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 428 births in 1975.
The name Ian is the Scottish Gaelic form of John, ultimately deriving from the Hebrew *Yochanan*, meaning "God is gracious." It entered the Scottish naming tradition through the Gaels and has long been one of Scotland's most steadfast male names, easily crossing borders. Famous bearers include Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, whose choice of a quintessentially Scottish first name for himself lent a certain crisp authority to his pen name. Another is Ian McEwan, the acclaimed English novelist. The name shares its ancient root with a host of other classic choices, including Sean, Ivan, Giovanni, and Jane, making it part of Europe's most enduring naming family.
Boy 52 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 1975428 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #4956 babies
- Total births
- 6,722since 1974
- 5-year trend
- ▼ 41%vs prior 5y