Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Tristan
BoyFrench, Welsh· “uncertain; from Celtic Drust”
- Meaning
- uncertain; from Celtic Drust (origin disputed)
- Origin
- French, Welsh
- Pronunciation
- TRIS-tihn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #309
- US babies 2025
- 1,103
- Best rank
- #68 (1996)
- Peak year
- 2008
Meaning and origin of Tristan
Tristan is often said to mean “uncertain; from Celtic Drust”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to French and Welsh roots.
Tristan is the hero of the medieval legend of Tristan and Iseult, a tragic love story told in French, German and English versions and later set as an opera by Richard Wagner. The name probably comes from the Brythonic or Pictish Drustan, a diminutive of Drust, whose meaning is uncertain. In the medieval romances it was linked to the French triste, meaning sad, which suits the story but is likely a later association rather than the true root. Tristan has a romantic, slightly heroic feel. Tris is a possible nickname, and Tristram is an older English form.
Famous parents who chose Tristan: Heather Rae El Moussa and Tarek El Moussa (2023). More celebrity baby names
Popularity over time
Tristan first appears in US Social Security records in 1946. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 55 different years, starting in 1971. Its best national rank was #68 in 1996, and the most babies received it in 2008, when 5,659 were named Tristan. In 2025, 1,103 babies were named Tristan, and it ranked #309 nationally. That is 72% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #3,303 in 1950, #604 in 1980, #105 in 2000, #84 in 2010, and #309 in 2025. Of the 124,243 US boys named Tristan since records began, 35% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 38,693 babies. Since 2010, 48,029 more have been named Tristan.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jaden, Caden, Brody, Brady, and Miguel.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Tristan ranked highest in Mississippi, Delaware, and South Carolina.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #200 | 16 |
| Delaware | #202 | 6 |
| South Carolina | #221 | 26 |
| Florida | #238 | 88 |
| Maryland | #240 | 24 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Tristan over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Tristan is usually pronounced TRIS-tihn, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with T and ends in “-an”.
Middle names for Tristan
A few middle names that flow with Tristan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Tristan
Similar names
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Lists that include Tristan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Tristan mean?
Tristan is often said to mean “uncertain; from Celtic Drust”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to French and Welsh roots.
What is the origin of the name Tristan?
Tristan has French and Welsh roots. Tristan is the hero of the medieval legend of Tristan and Iseult, a tragic love story told in French, German and English versions and later set as an opera by Richard Wagner.
Is Tristan a popular name?
Yes. Tristan ranked #309 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Tristan a boy or girl name?
Tristan is mainly a boy's name. About 98% of US babies named Tristan over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Tristan?
Tristan is usually pronounced TRIS-tihn. 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