Names Ending in -ian for Boys

  1. Rhian
    • Description:

      Rhian is traditionally a Welsh name that can be used for males, though in contemporary usage it's more commonly given to females in many English-speaking countries. For boys, it derives from the Welsh element "rhydd" meaning "spear" or can be related to the name Ryan. The name has a melodic, flowing quality while remaining brief and strong. In Welsh culture, Rhian has historical significance and maintains connections to Celtic heritage. Though uncommon for boys outside Wales, its distinctive sound and cultural roots make it appealing to parents seeking a name with authentic regional character. The name carries connotations of strength and warrior spirit from its original meaning.

  2. Jian
    • Description:

      Jian is a meaningful masculine name with Chinese origins, though it appears in multiple cultures. In Chinese, depending on the character used, it can mean 'healthy,' 'strong,' 'persistent,' or 'sword/sharp,' making it a name rich with positive connotations. The name is pronounced approximately as 'jen' or 'jyen' in Mandarin Chinese. While traditional in China, Jian has gained some international recognition as cultural boundaries in naming become more fluid. Its brevity makes it accessible to non-Chinese speakers while maintaining its authentic cultural roots. The name appeals to parents seeking a meaningful cross-cultural option that combines simplicity with depth. Jian's growing presence reflects increasing appreciation for names that honor heritage while functioning well in multicultural settings.
  3. Sabian
    • Origin:

      Variation of Sabin, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "from the Sabines"
    • Description:

      Sabian is a relative of Sabin and Sabina, both referring to the Sabines, an ancient Italian people. Sabin is also a Quranic name of one of the "People of the Book". About a dozen baby boys were named Sabin and another dozen named Sabian in the US last year, making it a rare name with historic roots.
  4. Gabian
    • Description:

      Gabian is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Gabriel, the biblical archangel's name meaning 'God is my strength' in Hebrew. Alternatively, it could relate to the Latin name Gabius or to geographic locations like Saint-Gabian in France. The name has a melodic quality with its balanced syllables and flowing sound. Gabian remains quite uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive character while still being relatively easy to pronounce and spell. The name carries a somewhat romantic, European flair that might appeal to parents seeking something unique yet accessible. While lacking widespread contemporary usage, Gabian has a timeless quality that allows it to feel both classical and modern simultaneously.
  5. Yossarian
    • Origin:

      Literary name
    • Description:

      The surname of the protagonist of Joseph Heller’s satirical World War II novel Catch 22 and its sequel Closing Time, by which he is exclusively called by the narrator and other characters. It is described in the novel as "an odious, alien, distasteful name… not at all like such clean, crisp, honest, American names as Cathcart, Peckem and Dreedle." Heller took the name from one of his own colleagues in the Air Force, an Assyrian called Yohannan.
  6. Deian
    • Description:

      Deian is a masculine name with Welsh origins, pronounced approximately as 'DAY-an.' In Welsh tradition, it's believed to be a form of Dafydd (the Welsh equivalent of David), though some sources connect it to ancient Celtic elements meaning 'divine' or 'bright.' The name carries significant cultural importance in Wales, where it maintains steady usage as a traditional Welsh name that honors the country's linguistic heritage. Deian has a melodic, flowing quality that's characteristic of many Welsh names. Outside of Wales and Welsh communities, Deian remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality while still being reasonably straightforward to pronounce. The name projects qualities of brightness, clarity, and perhaps a connection to Welsh cultural traditions. Its uncommon status makes it appealing to parents seeking a name with Celtic roots and a distinctive sound.

  7. Jurian
    • Origin:

      Medieval German
    • Meaning:

      "earth worker"
    • Description:

      Medieval German form of George
  8. Emilian
    • Origin:

      Romanian form of Emil
    • Meaning:

      "rival"
    • Description:

      With the new trend of boys' names rising on the heels of their popular sisters, the unusual-yet-familiar-feeling Emilian might become better known thanks to its relationship to Emily and Emilia/Amelia. Rather than being two branches of the same tree, Emilian and Emily are actually one tree while Emmett and Emma hang on a whole separate tree. But all have a lot of modern appeal, and Emilian may be a more attractive and intriguing male form than Emil. There was a St. Emilian.
  9. Tavian
    • Origin:

      Romanian form of Octavian
    • Description:

      A cool international name that could join the ranks of cool N-ending boy names. Americans may know it best from retired NFL player Tavian Banks.
  10. Arcadian
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "from Arcadia; idyllic"
    • Description:

      Arcadia was a region of Ancient Greece that is now associated with a simple rustic life (way before Cottagecore was a thing). That means this name is not just long and lyrical, but also has a warm pastoral charm.
  11. Aurian
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "gold"
    • Description:

      A handsome alternative to Adrian or Dorian, derived from the Latin word aurum "gold".
  12. Berian
    • Origin:

      Welsh place name
    • Meaning:

      "open plain or burial place"
    • Description:

      The meaning of the place name Berian, in Pembrokeshire, is not known, but it may mean "plain" or "burial place". It would make an interesting -ian ending option for lovers of names like Julian and Adrian who want something a bit more off-the-beaten-track.
  13. Torian
    • Description:

      Torian is a modern masculine name that may have evolved as a variant of names like Torin or Dorian. The suffix '-ian' typically means 'belonging to' or 'related to' in Latin-derived naming patterns. Some suggest it could be connected to the name Tory (meaning 'from the craggy hills' in Irish Gaelic) with an added suffix. The name has been documented in the United States since the late 20th century, with modest usage that increased somewhat in the 1990s and early 2000s. While not among the most common names, Torian has maintained consistent usage across diverse communities in the United States. The name has a contemporary feel that aligns with the trend toward distinctive-sounding names with strong consonants and rhythmic syllables.
  14. Flavian
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "yellow hair"
    • Description:

      A Latin clan name that may rise again along with other things Roman.
  15. Thorian
    • Description:

      Thorian is a modern masculine name with Norse inspirations, likely derived from Thor, the powerful Norse god of thunder, strength, and protection. The suffix '-ian' adds a contemporary feel while maintaining the name's mythological roots. Though not a traditional Nordic name, Thorian appeals to parents seeking unique names with strong imagery and historical connections. The name carries connotations of strength, courage, and mythical power. It remains relatively uncommon, giving it distinctive character in most communities. Thorian fits with the growing trend of reviving and adapting ancient mythological names for modern use, appealing to parents drawn to names with bold meanings and distinctive sounds.
  16. Nathian
    • Description:

      Nathian appears to be a modern variation of Nathan, which comes from Hebrew origins meaning 'he has given' or 'gift from God.' This alternative spelling creates a distinctive look while maintaining the pronunciation of the traditional name. Nathian emerged during the late 20th century when creative spellings became increasingly popular in America. The name blends the familiar biblical name Nathan with contemporary styling, potentially drawing influence from names like Nathaniel with the insertion of the 'i.' While much less common than Nathan, Nathian offers parents a way to reference the traditional name while creating a more unique identity. The name maintains the strong, dignified qualities of Nathan with an added touch of modern individuality.

  17. Jovian
    • Origin:

      Roman
    • Meaning:

      "of Jove, of Jupiter"
    • Description:

      A cheerful sounding name with plenty of strength, this relative of Jove was borne by a 4th century Roman emperor. It might appeal to those who like the mythological and space-related aspect of Jove but was something that could also blend in with the likes of Adrian, Cassian, and Julian.
  18. Elysian
    • Origin:

      Latin from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "of Elysium; blissful"
    • Description:

      The Elysian Fields of Greek mythology was the home of the afterlife for the blessed. As spiritual names and mythological names continue to rise, Elysian is a name to watch.
  19. Kristian
    • Origin:

      Danish, Albanian, Breton, Bulgarian, Danish, Estonian, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish variation of Christian
    • Description:

      Variation of Christian.
  20. Aeolian
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "of or arising from the wind"