Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Sloan
GirlIrish· “from an Irish surname”
- Meaning
- from an Irish surname
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- SLOHN
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #840
- US babies 2025
- 324
- Best rank
- #572 (2021)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Sloan
Sloan is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “from an Irish surname”.
Sloan comes from the Irish surname Ó Sluagháin, "descendant of Sluaghán," a personal name based on sluagh, meaning "host" or "army," sometimes translated "raider." The surname spread through Ireland and later to America. As a given name, Sloan and Sloane have become popular for girls in the United States, admired for their sleek, polished sound. Sir Hans Sloane, whose collections helped found the British Museum, gave the spelling with an e historical weight. Sloan is short, crisp and confident, and it also works well as a middle name.
Other spellings with the same sound: Sloane.
Popularity over time
Sloan first appears in US Social Security records in 1953. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 15 different years, starting in 2011. Its best national rank was #572 in 2021, the same year it reached its highest count of 530 babies. In 2025, 324 babies were named Sloan, and it ranked #840 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,155 in 2000, #1,011 in 2010, and #840 in 2025. Of the 8,385 US girls named Sloan since records began, 46% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 2,542 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Zelda, Journi, Nola, Davina, and Novah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Sloan ranked highest in South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | #273 | 5 |
| Iowa | #434 | 8 |
| Minnesota | #457 | 12 |
| Oregon | #474 | 8 |
| Michigan | #546 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 83% of US babies named Sloan over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Sloan is usually pronounced SLOHN, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with S and ends in “-an”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Sloane.
Middle names for Sloan
A few middle names that flow with Sloan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Sloan
Similar names
Rian Unisex
REE-uhn
“little king” · Irish
#1,250
Quinn Unisex
KWIHN
“descendant of Conn” · Irish
#97
Reagan Girl
RAY-guhn
“possibly little king” · Irish
#248
Teagan Girl
TEE-gun
“little poet (from Tadhg)” · Irish
#341
Raegan Girl
RAY-guhn
“from an Irish surname; possibly little king” · Irish
#506
Joan Unisex
JOHN
“God is gracious” · English
#987
Rowan Unisex
ROH-uhn
“little red one; rowan tree” · Irish
#59
Lennon Unisex
LEH-nuhn
“from an Irish surname” · Irish
#214
Reign Unisex
RAYN
“royal rule” · English
#452
Milan Unisex
mih-LAHN
“gracious, dear; also an Italian city” · Slavic
#242
Lilian Girl
LIH-lee-uhn
“possibly from Elizabeth; linked to lily” · English
#560
Shea Unisex
SHAY
“uncertain; possibly 'hawk-like'” · Irish
#1,159
Lists that include Sloan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Sloan mean?
Sloan is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “from an Irish surname”.
What is the origin of the name Sloan?
Sloan has Irish roots. Sloan comes from the Irish surname Ó Sluagháin, "descendant of Sluaghán," a personal name based on sluagh, meaning "host" or "army," sometimes translated "raider." The surname spread through Ireland and later to America.
Is Sloan a popular name?
Yes. Sloan ranked #840 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Sloan a boy or girl name?
Sloan is mainly a girl's name. About 83% of US babies named Sloan over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Sloan?
Sloan is usually pronounced SLOHN. 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