Ian vs River

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Ian

Boy #75 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"God is gracious"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Scottish British Irish American

✓ All Clear

Boy #112 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"flowing body of water, stream"

Origin: Old French

English American Australian

✓ All Clear

Ian Rank #75

River Rank #112

Ian is more popular, ranked #75 vs #112 for River.

Is Ian or River more popular?

Ian is more popular, ranked #75 compared to River at #112 in the United States.

What do Ian and River mean?

Ian means "God is gracious" (Scottish Gaelic origin). River means "flowing body of water, stream" (Old French origin).

Are Ian and River boy or girl names?

Ian is primarily a boy name. River is primarily a boy name.