Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Ethan
BoyHebrew· “firm, enduring, strong”
- Meaning
- firm, enduring, strong
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- EE-thuhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #24
- US babies 2025
- 7,852
- Best rank
- #2 (2009)
- Peak year
- 2004
Meaning and origin of Ethan
Ethan is a Hebrew name that means “firm, enduring, strong”.
Ethan comes from the Hebrew Eitan, meaning "firm", "enduring" or "strong". It appears in the Bible as the name of Ethan the Ezrahite, a wise man mentioned in the First Book of Kings and named in the heading of one of the Psalms. In American history the name is linked with Ethan Allen, the Revolutionary War leader of the Green Mountain Boys. Edith Wharton's novel Ethan Frome, published in 1911, gave it a literary association as well. The name saw modest use for generations before becoming a modern favorite. Ethan sounds gentle and strong at once, and it rarely needs a nickname.
Popularity over time
Ethan first appears in US Social Security records in 1882. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 81 different years, starting in 1882. Its best national rank was #2 in 2009, and the most babies received it in 2004, when 22,210 were named Ethan. In 2025, 7,852 babies were named Ethan, and it ranked #24 nationally. That is 48% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,304 in 1920, #1,443 in 1950, #291 in 1980, #25 in 2000, #2 in 2010, and #24 in 2025. Of the 487,389 US boys named Ethan since records began, 41% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 149,111 babies. Since 2010, 199,705 more have been named Ethan.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Nathan, Aidan, Connor, and Juan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ethan ranked highest in Maryland, New York, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #7 | 183 |
| New York | #10 | 630 |
| California | #12 | 1,236 |
| Florida | #12 | 651 |
| Texas | #14 | 1,005 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Ethan is usually pronounced EE-thuhn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with E and ends in “-an”.
Middle names for Ethan
A few middle names that flow with Ethan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ethan
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Lists that include Ethan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ethan mean?
Ethan is a Hebrew name that means “firm, enduring, strong”.
What is the origin of the name Ethan?
Ethan has Hebrew roots. Ethan comes from the Hebrew Eitan, meaning "firm", "enduring" or "strong".
Is Ethan a popular name?
Yes. Ethan ranked #24 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Ethan a boy or girl name?
Ethan is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Ethan?
Ethan is usually pronounced EE-thuhn. 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