Chan Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Chan originates from the Chinese surname 'Chen', meaning 'to exhibit' or 'to display', and is also linked to the Buddhist term for meditation. The name has evolved from historical forms like 'Chen' and reflects traits associated with wisdom and spirituality. There is no biblical background linked to this name. Chan has gained popularity through cultural representation and notable figures, and is perceived positively in modern contexts.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Chan"
Pronunciation
/tʃæn/
Origin
Chinese
Etymology
The name Chan is derived from the Chinese surname 'Chen' (陈), which means 'to exhibit' or 'to display'. It is also associated with the Buddhist term 'Chan', referring to a school of Chinese Buddhism that emphasizes meditation.
Meaning
display, exhibit, meditation
Language Evolution
Chen (陈), Chan (禪)
Historical Usage
The name Chan gained popularity in various East Asian cultures, particularly within Chinese communities, due to its association with historical figures and the spread of Chan Buddhism.
Variants & Derivatives
Chen, Cheng, Chun
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Chan is seen as a common surname and is often associated with cultural heritage and tradition within Chinese-speaking communities. It may also carry connotations of wisdom and tranquility due to its Buddhist ties.
Famous People
Jackie Chan, Chan Marshall (Cat Power), Chan Ho Park
📊 Chan Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Chan Name Visualizations
✨ Chan Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 38 peak births in 1982
Geographic Spread
Popular across 3 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Chan" - Complete Guide (1 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Chan". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Chan" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Chan"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Chan"
"Chan" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 6241st of 7545 | 13 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3792nd of 6773 | 67 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2763rd of 7552 | 168 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2460th of 10718 | 248 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3101st of 16616 | 293 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 7081st of 24088 | 156 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 9453rd of 23106 | 83 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 9118th of 12526 | 21 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 12316th of 19264 | 26 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 7527th of 27321 | 153 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 28780th of 35406 | 12 |
Regional Popularity of "Chan" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
63.27% 1409th/2227 |
- | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
64.38% 2265th/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
29.03% 1834th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
63.81% 4762nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Chan" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
55.50% 3506th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Chan"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Chan" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Chan" in the United States
The name Chan is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Chan has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Chan' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 6241st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3792nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2763rd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2460th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3101st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7081st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 9453rd out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 9118th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 12316th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7527th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 28780th out of 35406 names. Discover how the name 'Chan' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.