Balian is a name of Hebrew origin that means "son of the left hand." It is believed to have been given to children born out of wedlock or with special needs in ancient times. In some cultures, it was also used as a nickname for someone who was considered clumsy or awkward. Despite its somewhat negative connotations in the past, Balian has gained popularity in recent years and is now often chosen by parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their son. There are no notable historical figures with the name Balian, but it has been used in literature and popular culture, such as in the novel "Balian: A Novel of the Crusades" by Bruce Harris. Overall, Balian is an uncommon yet intriguing name with a rich history that spans across different cultures and time periods.
The popularity of the name Balian has varied over time, with peaks in certain years and a general decline in recent years.