Tristan
Tristan is a boys' name of Celtic origin meaning “sorrowful, tumult.” It ranked #309 in the United States in 2025. From the Arthurian legend of Tristan and Isolde, this name carries the bittersweet weight of doomed romance.
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how do you pronounce Tristan?
TRIS-tun
where does the name Tristan come from?
From the Welsh Drystan, from drest, riot or tumult, reshaped under the influence of the French triste and the Welsh, Cornish and Breton trist, sad, which gave it its sorrowful sense.
Wagner's opera 'Tristan und Isolde' cemented it in Germanic cultural tradition. Despite its melancholic meaning, the name sounds strong and romantic.
how popular is this name?
Tristan has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 55 years since 1971. It peaked at #68 in 1996, and ranked #309 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #309 |
| 2024 | #267 |
| 2023 | #253 |
| 2022 | #225 |
| 2021 | #208 |
| 2020 | #182 |
| 2019 | #151 |
| 2018 | #123 |
| 2017 | #121 |
| 2016 | #108 |
| 2010 | #84 |
| 2000 | #105 |
| 1996 | #68 |
| 1990 | #330 |
| 1980 | #602 |
| 1971 | #859 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Tristan fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Tristan
The name is best known from the medieval romance of Tristan and Iseult, in which Tristan is a knight and Iseult's lover.
who are famous people named Tristan?
- Tristan Tzara (founder of the Dada movement)
- Tristan Thompson (professional basketball player)
what are the nicknames and variants of Tristan?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names go well with Tristan?
Sibling names that share Tristan's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Tristan
What does the name Tristan mean?
Tristan means “sorrowful, tumult”.
What is the origin of the name Tristan?
Tristan comes from the Celtic naming tradition. Related forms include Tristram, Tristen and Drystan.
How popular is the name Tristan?
Tristan ranked #309 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1996, at #68, and it has spent 55 years in the top 1,000 since 1971.
Is Tristan a boy or girl name?
Tristan is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Tristan?
Tristan is pronounced TRIS-tun, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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