Originating from Scottish Gaelic, Ian is a masculine given name that has gained international popularity over time. It is a variant spelling of the name John, which means 'God is gracious' in Hebrew. The name Ian has been worn by notable individuals such as British actor Ian McKellen and American musician Ian Anderson, demonstrating its versatility across cultures and generations.
The name Ian saw a significant rise in popularity from the mid-60s to the late 70s, peaking with 35 births in 1986. However, it has since declined, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded since 2014.