Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Arian
BoyWelsh, Persian· “uncertain; several possible sources”
- Meaning
- uncertain; several possible sources (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Welsh, Persian
- Pronunciation
- AIR-ee-uhn
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #965
- US babies 2025
- 238
- Best rank
- #538 (2013)
- Peak year
- 2013
Meaning and origin of Arian
Arian is often said to mean “uncertain; several possible sources”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Welsh and Persian roots.
Arian has several possible sources, so its meaning depends on the tradition. In Welsh, arian is the word for silver, and Arian appears as part of the Welsh name Arianrhod, a figure in the medieval Mabinogion. In Persian, Arian is used as a given name connected with the historical name for the peoples of ancient Iran, often explained as noble. The name is also sometimes treated as a form of Arion, a legendary Greek poet. Arian is used for boys in several countries. It is short and melodic, and Ari is a natural nickname.
Popularity over time
Arian first appears in US Social Security records in 1970. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 15 different years, starting in 2011. Its best national rank was #538 in 2013, the same year it reached its highest count of 494 babies. In 2025, 238 babies were named Arian, and it ranked #965 nationally. That is 31% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,285 in 1980, #1,300 in 2000, #1,195 in 2010, and #965 in 2025. Of the 6,712 US boys named Arian since records began, 45% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,596 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Boston, Vihaan, Neymar, Carmelo, and Madden.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Arian ranked highest in Texas, Florida, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #567 | 56 |
| Florida | #622 | 27 |
| Arizona | #640 | 10 |
| New York | #717 | 20 |
| California | #720 | 37 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 90% of US babies named Arian over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Arian is usually pronounced AIR-ee-uhn, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-an”.
Middle names for Arian
A few middle names that flow with Arian: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Arian
Similar names
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ehs-TEH-bahn
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Kian Boy
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Dorian Boy
DAWR-ee-uhn
“from the Dorian people of Greece” · Greek
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Aryan Boy
AR-yun
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Lists that include Arian
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Arian mean?
Arian is often said to mean “uncertain; several possible sources”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Welsh and Persian roots.
What is the origin of the name Arian?
Arian has Welsh and Persian roots. Arian has several possible sources, so its meaning depends on the tradition.
Is Arian a popular name?
Yes. Arian ranked #965 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Arian a boy or girl name?
Arian is mainly a boy's name. About 90% of US babies named Arian over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Arian?
Arian is usually pronounced AIR-ee-uhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings