Shan
Shan is a unisex name of Chinese origin meaning “mountain, good, virtuous.” Shan means mountain, embodying stability, permanence, and grandeur in Chinese culture.
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how do you pronounce Shan?
SHAHN
where does the name Shan come from?
In Chinese, shan (山) means mountain, and shan (善) means good or virtuous.
Mountains are sacred in Chinese tradition — the Five Great Mountains are sites of imperial worship, and mountain hermitage is central to Daoist and Buddhist spiritual practice. A second meaning, 'good/virtuous,' adds moral dimension.
how popular is this name?
Shan has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 2 years since 1968. It peaked at #893 in 1969.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1969 | #893 |
| 1968 | #946 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Shan fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Shan?
- Shan Sa (Chinese-French novelist and painter)
what names are similar to Shan?
what names go well with Shan?
Sibling names that share Shan's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Shan
What does the name Shan mean?
Shan means “mountain, good, virtuous”.
What is the origin of the name Shan?
Shan comes from the Chinese naming tradition.
How popular is the name Shan?
Shan ranked #893 in the US in 1969, according to Social Security data.
Is Shan a boy or girl name?
Shan is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls.
How do you pronounce Shan?
Shan is pronounced SHAHN, with 1 syllable.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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