Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Jan originates from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious'. It has evolved through various languages and retains a strong cultural significance. The name is linked to biblical figures, particularly John, and has been widely used since the Middle Ages. It conveys traits of reliability and grace, with notable figures across various fields bearing the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/jæn/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Jan is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious'. It has been used in various cultures, often as a variant of John.
Meaning
God is gracious
Language Evolution
Yochanan (Hebrew), Iohannes (Greek), Johannes (Latin), John (Old English), Jan (Dutch, Scandinavian)
Biblical Background
Jan is related to the biblical name John, which appears frequently in the New Testament.
Historical Usage
The name Jan has been popular in Europe, particularly in Dutch and Scandinavian cultures, since the Middle Ages, often used to honor saints named John.
Variants & Derivatives
John, Johann, Juan, Giovanni, Janek
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Jan is perceived as a classic name with a strong cultural heritage, often associated with reliability and grace.
Famous People
Jan van Eyck (Flemish painter), Janis Joplin (American singer), Jan Koum (co-founder of WhatsApp), Jan Błachowicz (Polish MMA fighter)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 3,759 peak births in 1954
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Hawaii
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (3 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 3 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1606th of 7545 | 350 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 356th of 6773 | 4,667 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 334th of 7552 | 9,613 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 682nd of 10718 | 2,332 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 942nd of 16616 | 1,809 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1027th of 24088 | 2,679 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1983rd of 23106 | 905 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1933rd of 9107 | 337 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 398th of 9204 | 5,309 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 167th of 12526 | 40,538 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 468th of 19264 | 7,031 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1825th of 27321 | 1,135 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 10681st of 35406 | 142 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 17913th of 30306 | 35 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
56.64% 781st/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
16.75% 259th/1546 |
18.89% 294th/1556 |
24.35% 573rd/2353 |
18.55% 287th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
11.45% 255th/2227 |
9.75% 237th/2430 |
18.61% 531st/2853 |
12.86% 357th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
22.47% 660th/2937 |
13.44% 468th/3483 |
30.53% 1074th/3518 |
16.42% 664th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
28.11% 1036th/3685 |
14.99% 671st/4475 |
22.55% 1171st/5194 |
14.79% 934th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
28.42% 1302nd/4582 |
13.69% 707th/5164 |
13.92% 1018th/7313 |
13.59% 1014th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
39.98% 1593rd/3984 |
29.46% 1322nd/4487 |
27.69% 1889th/6822 |
29.73% 1866th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
81.85% 1159th/1416 |
76.36% 1053rd/1379 |
94.89% 2245th/2366 |
85.11% 972nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
23.29% 360th/1546 |
32.52% 506th/1556 |
17.25% 406th/2353 |
17.07% 264th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
6.65% 148th/2227 |
8.97% 218th/2430 |
6.27% 179th/2853 |
5.01% 139th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
14.16% 416th/2937 |
15.50% 540th/3483 |
12.11% 426th/3518 |
12.96% 524th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
54.46% 2007th/3685 |
39.49% 1767th/4475 |
36.77% 1910th/5194 |
35.30% 2230th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
100.00% 7463rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Hawaii across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1606th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 356th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 334th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 682nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 942nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1027th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1983rd out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1933rd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 398th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 167th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 468th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1825th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 10681st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 17913th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.