The nameYan
Yan is a short name with several origins, from Brittany to China.
- Boy's name
- Breton and Chinese
- Feast day
Meaning
Yan is a Breton form of John, "God is gracious". It is also a common Chinese name element.
Origin
Breton and Chinese.
History
In England and Wales Yan reached 1953rd place in 2008. In the United States its best rank is 2890th, in 2023.
Popularity of the name Yan
Yan in the United States
Yan was most popular in the United States in the 2000s, with 314 births over the decade, 31% of all recorded babies named Yan. Its rise began around 1971, and it peaked in 2023. Half of all babies named Yan in the United States were born before 2007, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 33 births a year.
Yan in France
Yan was most popular in France in the 1970s, with 1,515 births over the decade, 30% of all recorded babies named Yan. Its rise began around 1951, and it peaked in 1972. Half of all babies named Yan in France were born before 1981, so it is mostly a parents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 13 births a year on average, against 22 in the five years before.
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Yan
Names from the same generation as Yan, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Yan? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Yan with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Yan side by side with the name of your choice.
Yan in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Yan mean?
Yan is a Breton form of John, "God is gracious". It is also a common Chinese name element.
What is the origin of the name Yan?
Breton and Chinese.
Is Yan a girl's or a boy's name?
Yan is a boy's name. In the United States, 10% of the babies named Yan are girls.
How popular is the name Yan?
In 2024, Yan was the 2871st most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 44 births.
What are the variants of the name Yan?
Variants and related names of Yan include Jean, John and Yann.
What are good sibling names for Yan?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Fatou, Kadiatou, Aissatou and Evelyne for a sister, Alain, Samy, Mervin and Lino for a brother.