Mulan Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Mulan originates from Chinese, meaning 'magnolia', derived from the characters for wood and orchid. It has evolved from Classical Chinese to Modern Standard Mandarin. Mulan is associated with traits of strength, bravery, and femininity, and is not related to any biblical figures. The story gained wide popularity through folklore and adaptations, particularly in the late 20th century, making it a global symbol of empowerment.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Mulan"
Pronunciation
/muˈlɑn/
Origin
Chinese
Etymology
The name Mulan (木兰) is derived from the Chinese characters for 'wood' (木) and 'orchid' (兰). It is often associated with strength and beauty.
Meaning
Magnolia
Language Evolution
Mulan (木兰) - Classical Chinese, Mulan - Modern Standard Mandarin
Historical Usage
The tale of Mulan has been popular in Chinese folklore for centuries, with the first known mention in the Ballad of Mulan, dating back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420–589 AD). The story gained international fame through various adaptations, especially in the 1998 Disney animated film.
Variants & Derivatives
Mulan (木兰), Mu Lan, Mulaner
Modern Popularity & Image
Mulan is widely recognized as a symbol of bravery and femininity, representing the empowerment of women. The character has gained global popularity, especially through animated films and live-action adaptations.
Famous People
Mulan (legendary character), Various portrayals in film and literature
📊 Mulan Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Mulan Name Visualizations
✨ Mulan Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 71 peak births in 2020
Geographic Spread
Popular across 9 US states, with strongest presence in Florida
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 3 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Mulan"
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 of "Mulan"
"Mulan" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 24088th of 24088 | 5 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 11648th of 35406 | 124 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3462nd of 30306 | 547 |
Regional Popularity of "Mulan" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Mulan" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
68.40% 2725th/3984 |
51.53% 2312th/4487 |
49.79% 3397th/6822 |
53.98% 3388th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Mulan"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Mulan" 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 of "Mulan" in the United States
The name Mulan is most popular in Florida, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast 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, Mulan has been stalled for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Mulan' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24088th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 11648th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3462nd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Mulan' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.