The nameErwan
Erwan is a Breton boy's name, the Breton form of Yves. It spread across France from the 1980s.
- Boy's name
- Breton
- Feast day
Meaning
Erwan is the Breton equivalent of Yves, often linked to the Germanic iv, "yew", whose wood was used for bows. The link between the two forms is debated.
Origin
Breton. Youenn is another Breton form of Yves.
History
Saint Ivo of Kermartin, Erwan Helori in Breton, a 13th century priest and lawyer who defended the poor, is the patron saint of Brittany and of lawyers. Erwan peaked in France around 2006.
Erwan in other languages
Erwan is a Breton form of Yves (Ivo), like Youenn. The same family gives Ivo in German, Italian and Dutch, and Iwo in Polish.
Popularity of the name Erwan
Erwan in France
Erwan was most popular in France in the 2000s, with 12,575 births over the decade, 31% of all recorded babies named Erwan. Its rise began around 1968, and it peaked in 2006. Half of all babies named Erwan in France were born before 1999. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 192 births a year on average, against 405 in the five years before.
Erwan in Belgium
Erwan was most popular in Belgium in the 2000s, with 252 births over the decade, 49% of all recorded babies named Erwan. Half of all babies named Erwan in Belgium were born before 2008, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers.
Variants and related names
Erwan in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Erwan mean?
Erwan is the Breton equivalent of Yves, often linked to the Germanic iv, "yew", whose wood was used for bows. The link between the two forms is debated.
What is the origin of the name Erwan?
Breton. Youenn is another Breton form of Yves.
Is Erwan a girl's or a boy's name?
Erwan is a boy's name.
What are the variants of the name Erwan?
Variants and related names of Erwan include Erwann, Ivo, Youenn and Yves.