Yan Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Yan' originates from Chinese culture and carries meanings related to swallows and speech. It has evolved through various forms and is used both as a given name and a surname. The name embodies traits of wisdom and eloquence, and while it does not have biblical relevance, it has historical significance in Chinese communities and has gained popularity in modern times.
The name Yan is most popular in Florida, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South 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, Yan has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Yan' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6381st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4510th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3913th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3669th out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 23525th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 15388th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 22988th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Yan' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Yan"
Pronunciation
/jɑn/
Origin
Chinese
Etymology
The name 'Yan' is derived from several Chinese characters, including 燕 (which means 'swallow' or 'to sing') and 言 (which means 'speech' or 'words'). It can also be a surname in Chinese culture.
Meaning
Swallow, speech, words
Language Evolution
Yuan, Yan, Yen
Historical Usage
The name has been used in China for centuries and has gained popularity in various cultures as a given name or surname, particularly among Chinese communities worldwide.
Variants & Derivatives
Yen, Yuan, Yann
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Yan is recognized as a common name in China and among Chinese diaspora communities. It is often associated with qualities such as wisdom and eloquence.
Famous People
Yan Lianke (Chinese author), Yan Zhengming (Chinese painter)
Explore More Yan Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Yan"
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 "Yan"
"Yan" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6381st of 10718 | 36 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4510th of 16616 | 168 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3913th of 24088 | 366 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 3669th of 23106 | 357 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 23525th of 27321 | 10 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 15388th of 35406 | 73 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 22988th of 30306 | 16 |
Regional Popularity of "Yan" 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) |
- |
54.59% 2443rd/4475 |
- |
50.70% 3203rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
56.41% 2913th/5164 |
46.07% 3369th/7313 |
57.18% 4267th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.99% 3187th/3984 |
69.69% 3127th/4487 |
42.92% 2928th/6822 |
51.59% 3238th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Yan" 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) |
- |
92.12% 4757th/5164 |
- | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Yan"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Yan" 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.