Alian is a unique and distinctive given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Aelianus. It was popularized by the Greek sophist and writer Aelian, who lived in the 2nd century AD. The name Aelianus itself is believed to have been derived from the Latin word 'aes' meaning bronze or copper, suggesting a possible connection with the metal trade. However, there is no definitive evidence to support this theory. Despite its origin, Alian is not a widely used name today, perhaps due to its similarity to more common names like Alan and Allen. Nevertheless, it remains an intriguing choice for parents seeking a name that is uncommon yet steeped in history.
The name Alian had a significant rise in popularity from 2020 onwards, with a total of 94 births recorded between 2002 and 2023. However, there was no data available for the years 2001, 2003, 2006-2008, 2010-2014, 2016-2017, and 2022.