Khan Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Khan has Turkic origins, meaning 'ruler' or 'king'. It evolved from the Old Turkic 'qan' through various historical forms. The title became well-known with the Mongol Empire and remains a symbol of leadership today. It has no biblical relevance, but is associated with notable figures in history and modern times.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Khan"
Pronunciation
/kɑːn/
Origin
Turkic
Etymology
The term 'Khan' originally referred to a ruler or leader in Central Asia, particularly among the Turkic and Mongolic peoples. It derives from the Old Turkic word 'qan' which means 'ruler' or 'king'.
Meaning
ruler, king, leader
Language Evolution
Old Turkic: qan, Middle Turkic: khan, Modern Turkic languages: khan
Historical Usage
The title of Khan gained prominence in the 13th century with the rise of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan, and it has since been used by various leaders in Central Asia and South Asia.
Variants & Derivatives
Khaan, Khanum, Khani
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Khan is commonly associated with leadership and nobility, and it is widely recognized in various cultures, particularly in South Asia, due to its historical significance.
Famous People
Genghis Khan, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan
📊 Khan Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Khan Name Visualizations
✨ Khan Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 22 peak births in 2019
Geographic Spread
Popular across 1 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Khan" - Complete Guide (5 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Khan". 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 5 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 "Khan" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Khan"
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 "Khan"
"Khan" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6085th of 10718 | 41 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 7633rd of 16616 | 65 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 7649th of 24088 | 139 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5713th of 23106 | 186 |
Regional Popularity of "Khan" by Generation for Male 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) |
- | - | - |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Khan" 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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Khan"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Khan" 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 "Khan" in the United States
The name Khan 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. From 2020-2022, Khan has been stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Khan' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6085th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7633rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7649th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5713th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Khan' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.