Ivan
Ivan is a boys' name of Russian origin meaning “God is gracious.” It ranked #162 in the United States in 2025. Ivan is the Russian form of John, meaning 'God is gracious.'
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how do you pronounce Ivan?
ee-VAHN
where does the name Ivan come from?
The Slavic form of John, from the Greek Ioannes and the Hebrew Yochanan, God is gracious. Ivan is also a rare English variant of Evan, from the Welsh Ifan, a separate name with the same spelling.
It is perhaps the most iconic Russian name, borne by multiple tsars including Ivan the Great and Ivan the Terrible. In Russian folklore, Ivan Tsarevich (Ivan the Prince) is the archetypal hero of fairy tales.
how popular is this name?
Ivan has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #113 in 2012, and ranked #162 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #162 |
| 2024 | #153 |
| 2023 | #153 |
| 2022 | #159 |
| 2021 | #168 |
| 2020 | #153 |
| 2019 | #140 |
| 2018 | #133 |
| 2017 | #135 |
| 2016 | #131 |
| 2012 | #113 |
| 2010 | #144 |
| 2000 | #153 |
| 1990 | #177 |
| 1980 | #246 |
| 1970 | #298 |
| 1960 | #318 |
| 1950 | #316 |
| 1940 | #230 |
| 1930 | #203 |
| 1920 | #179 |
| 1910 | #224 |
| 1900 | #206 |
| 1890 | #279 |
| 1880 | #320 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Ivan fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Ivan
The name is most closely associated with the Slavic-speaking countries; in Norway it is first recorded in 1824.
who are famous people named Ivan?
- Ivan the Terrible (first Tsar of Russia)
- Ivan Pavlov (Russian physiologist, Nobel laureate)
- Ivan Turgenev (Russian novelist)
what are the nicknames and variants of Ivan?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Ivan?
what names go well with Ivan?
Sibling names that share Ivan's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Ivan
What does the name Ivan mean?
Ivan means “God is gracious”.
What is the origin of the name Ivan?
Ivan comes from the Russian naming tradition. Related forms include Ioannes, Jan and Ian.
How popular is the name Ivan?
Ivan ranked #162 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2012, at #113, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Ivan a boy or girl name?
Ivan is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Ivan?
Ivan is pronounced ee-VAHN, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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