Names Ending in -ian for Boys

  1. Casian
    • Description:

      Casian is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. In Romanian tradition, it derives from the Latin name Cassianus, meaning 'empty' or 'vain,' but has evolved beyond these original connotations. The name is associated with Saint Cassian of Imola, a Christian martyr and teacher. In other cultural contexts, it may be linked to the Latin 'cassis' meaning 'helmet,' suggesting protection or strength. Casian has gained moderate popularity in Romania and nearby countries, while remaining relatively uncommon elsewhere. The name has a contemporary sound while maintaining historical connections, making it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. With its soft consonants and balanced syllables, Casian offers a melodic quality that works well across multiple languages.
  2. 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.
  3. Yulian
    • Origin:

      Russian and Bulgarian variation of Julian, English from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "youthful, downy-bearded, sky father"
    • Description:

      A Julian translation that would be easy to wear — Yulian strikes the proper balance between unusual and familiar. Yuli is a common nickname in Russia.
  4. Josian
    • Description:

      Josian is a rare masculine name with medieval origins, appearing most notably in the 13th-century English romance 'Bevis of Hampton,' where Josian is a Saracen princess who converts to Christianity. Despite its feminine literary origin, the name has occasionally been used for boys, possibly as a variation of Joseph or Joshua. The name may have roots in older forms like Josianus or relate to the biblical Joseph family of names. With its soft sounds and unusual history, Josian bridges classical and unique naming styles. The -ian ending (as in Adrian or Julian) gives it a scholarly, refined quality. Extremely rare in contemporary use, Josian offers parents a name with literary heritage and melodic sound while remaining virtually unique in modern contexts.
  5. 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.
  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. Aurian
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "gold"
    • Description:

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

      Variation of Tristan, compound name
    • Meaning:

      "noise, sorrow; + anointed one, follower of Christ"
    • Description:

      Tristian can be considered a compound name, combining Tristan and Christian, however, it may also be used simply as a spelling variation of the former. The name could therefore have several different meanings: "noise, tumult" from its Celtic origins, "sorrow" from its French roots, or, as compound name, "loud follower of Christ", "sorrow of the anointed one", or similar.
  9. Aeolian
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "of or arising from the wind"
  10. 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.
  11. Arian
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Aryan
    • Description:

      This variation of Aryan has a slightly less racist connotation, making it a bit more acceptable. Arian debuted on the Top 1000 in 2011, but didn't have a sustained rise on the charts. This is likely due to the Aryan connection and the popularity of all things Aria among girls.
  12. Korbinian
    • Description:

      Korbinian is a masculine name of German origin with deep historical roots, particularly in Bavaria. The name comes from the Latin 'Corbinianus' and gained prominence through Saint Korbinian, an 8th-century Frankish missionary who became the first bishop of Freising in Bavaria. The saint's legacy made the name especially popular in southern German regions where it has been used continuously since medieval times. Despite its ancient origins, Korbinian remains relatively rare outside German-speaking countries. The name has a distinctive, strong sound with its four syllables and combination of soft and hard consonants. In Germany, particularly Bavaria, the name continues to be chosen by parents appreciating its historical significance and regional cultural connections, often honoring family or religious traditions.

  13. Cristian
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Romanian and Italian form of Christian, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "follower of Christ"
    • Description:

      Both Christian and Cristian rank in the US Top 500 names for boys, and while the classic "Ch" spelling is used more than four times as often, Cristian is still given to more than 1000 boys each year, and is often used in the Hispanic community.
  14. Xavian
    • Description:

      Xavian is a masculine name representing a modern variation of Xavier, which itself derives from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning 'new house.' The name gained prominence through St. Francis Xavier, a 16th-century Spanish missionary. Xavian combines the distinctive 'X' beginning of Xavier with the flowing ending of names like Adrian or Julian, creating a contemporary feel while maintaining historical connections. The initial 'X' gives the name an edge of uniqueness, while the overall sound remains approachable. Growing in popularity since the early 2000s, Xavian appeals to parents seeking modern-sounding names with subtle historical roots. The name projects qualities of strength and distinctiveness while offering the friendly nickname option 'Xavi.' Its relative rarity ensures individuality without being difficult to pronounce or understand.
  15. Davian
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Meaning:

      "beloved + God is gracious; beloved + to tame"
    • Description:

      David plus Damian (or David plus Ian or David plus Darrian) equals this hybrid name. It has been in and out of the US Top 1000 since 2004, though both this spelling and alternative Davion were out of favor in 2023. Davian Clarke is a Jamaican Olympic athlete.
  16. Zavian
    • Description:

      Zavian is a modern masculine name that likely developed as a variant of Xavier or Zavier, or possibly as a unique creation combining popular name elements. The name has a contemporary feel with its strong 'Z' beginning and smooth flow. Its origins may connect to the Arabic 'Zavi' meaning 'bright' or draw indirect inspiration from the Basque-origin Xavier, meaning 'new house' or 'bright.' Zavian began appearing in the United States in the early 2000s and has gradually increased in usage, particularly appealing to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet distinctive. The name's combination of strength and style gives it versatility, working well for various personalities. Zavian exemplifies the trend toward creating unique names with familiar sounds and strong consonants.
  17. 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.
  18. Caian
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "rejoice"
    • Description:

      A Welsh saint, the son or grandson of a local king called Caw/Cai. It seems that Caian may be a derivative of that name, which is derived from Caius "rejoice". A church at Tregaian in Anglesey is named for St Caian.
  19. Jurian
    • Origin:

      Medieval German
    • Meaning:

      "earth worker"
    • Description:

      Medieval German form of George
  20. Ryian
    • Description:

      Ryian is a modern masculine name that appears to be a variation of Ryan or a unique spelling of Rayan. Its origins are debated, but it likely stems from the Irish surname Ó Riain, meaning 'descendant of Rían,' with the Gaelic Rían possibly meaning 'little king' or 'kingly.' The distinctive spelling gives the traditional name a contemporary feel while maintaining its pronunciation. Though less common than Ryan, Ryian offers parents a way to honor Irish heritage while giving their son a slightly more distinctive name. The name has gained some modest usage in recent decades as parents seek more unique variants of popular names.