Iain

Iain: name meaning, origin and popularity

Meaning and origin of Iain

  • A male given name from Scottish Gaelic, equivalent to English John.

Etymology

From Scottish Gaelic. Cognate of John; see there for more.

How popular is Iain?

11U.S. babies in 2025
#1181peak rank (2003)
2,911babies since 1880

Since 1880, 2,911 boys in the U.S. have been named Iain. Its highest rank for boys was #1181 in 2003. In 2025, 11 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.

18801920196020002025126 peak/yr
U.S. births per year with this name, 1880–2025 (SSA)

More Scottish boy names

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Sibling name ideas for Iain

Sister and brother names that share Iain's Scottish roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.

Iain FAQ

What does the name Iain mean?

A male given name from Scottish Gaelic, equivalent to English John. From Scottish Gaelic. Cognate of John; see there for more.

What is the origin of the name Iain?

Iain is listed as a name of Scottish origin.

How popular is the name Iain?

Since 1880, 2,911 boys in the U.S. have been named Iain. Its highest rank for boys was #1181 in 2003. In 2025, 11 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.

Is Iain a boy or girl name?

Iain is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 0 girls and 2,911 boys since 1880.

Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.