"lion"
Aslan
Pronunciation: [ uhsl-UHN ]
Does Aslan flow with your last name?
The lion who leapt from Narnia into nurseries
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Names Like Aslan
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Aslan
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"lion, brave one"
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Browse nicknames →The Story of Aslan
Aslan is the Turkish and Mongolian word for lion, rooted in ancient Turkic languages spoken across Central Asia. The name has been used across the Islamic world for centuries as a symbol of strength and courage. It leapt into Western consciousness through C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, where Aslan the great lion represents divine power and sacrifice.
Aslan gained significant traction in English-speaking countries following the 2005 film adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Parents drawn to literary names with deep meaning embraced it as an alternative to more common lion-inspired names.
In Turkic cultures, Aslan (also spelled Arslan) has been a prestigious royal name for over a millennium. Several medieval Seljuk sultans bore the name. In Western culture it is almost exclusively associated with Lewis's Narnia, giving it a dual identity.
Historical Record
Aslan first appeared in US Social Security records in 1979.
Over 1,439 babies have been named Aslan in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Aslan is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,049 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Aslan is the everyday Turkish word for lion, so Turkish children grow up hearing this as a common vocabulary word
- Several medieval Seljuk rulers bore the name Arslan, a variant spelling meaning the same thing
- C.S. Lewis specifically chose a Turkish word for lion to give Narnia an exotic, ancient feel
Aslan in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Aslan
Aslan Karatsev
Athlete
1993
Russian professional tennis player who made a dramatic run to the Australian Open semifinals in 2021
Aslan Fictional
Other
The great lion and central figure of C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, representing divine power, wisdom, and sacrifice
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,049
- Total SSA Count
- 210
- Cultural Origins
- Turkish Central Asian British
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, British heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Aslan
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Aslan is also used as a girl name, ranked #52802.
View Aslan as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Turkish)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Aslan
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About the Name Aslan
Aslan is a boy name with Turkish, Central Asian, and British origins . The name means "lion" in Turkic .
Is Aslan a boy or girl name? Aslan is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,049 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #52,802. Aslan is more commonly used as a boy name.
Aslan is currently ranked #1,049 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Aslan has 2 syllables and is pronounced uhsl-UHN, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Aslan include Ace and Az. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Baby Name Wizard
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis