Names Ending in -ian for Boys
- 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.
- 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.
- Kalian
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"beautiful, auspicious"Description:
Alternative spelling of Kalyan.
- Milian
Origin:
Surname nameDescription:
A few possible explanations for this name: It could be a creative spelling of Million, an elaborated variant of Milan or a reference to singer Christina Milian. We'll leave it up to you whether those are winning inspirations for a baby name.
- Evian
Origin:
English variation of Evan, French place nameMeaning:
"god is gracious; water"Description:
A pleasant-sounding name that might be more popular were it not a brand of bottled water - something that is noted in the 1999 movie Superstar, which features a female Evian. The brand is named after the French spa town of Évian-les-Bains, which ultimately derives from aqua, the Latin word for water.
- Tian
Origin:
Slovene variation of Sebastian, LatinMeaning:
"person from Sebastia"Description:
Sebastian has many international nicknames, and Tian is the short form of choice in Slovenia. It is also spelled Tijan.
- Cordian
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"of the heart"Description:
Kordian was created by Polish playwright Juliusz Słowacki for his eponymous romantic hero, based on Latin cor, cordis "heart". Cordian is the Anglicized form.
- Kadrian
Description:
Kadrian is a modern masculine name that combines elements of traditional names like Adrian and Kaden. It likely emerged in the late 20th or early 21st century as parents sought distinctive yet familiar-sounding names. The name may be interpreted as a variation of Adrian (from the Latin Hadrianus, meaning 'from Hadria') with the trendy 'K' prefix that became popular in recent decades. While not among the most common names, Kadrian has appeal for parents seeking a contemporary name with a strong, masculine sound. Its uniqueness makes it stand out while still being relatively easy to pronounce and spell.
- Calian
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"slender"Description:
A variant of Caelan, from a Gaelic name meaning "slender".
- Berian
Origin:
Welsh place nameMeaning:
"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.
- Davian
Origin:
Modern invented nameMeaning:
"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.
- Kiprian
Origin:
Russian variation of Cyprian, GreekMeaning:
"man of Cyprus"Description:
The Russian form of the medieval name Cyprian lends itself to the nickname Kip.
- Eian
Description:
Eian is a masculine name that represents a modern variation of the Welsh name Eirian (meaning 'bright' or 'beautiful') or possibly a unique spelling of Ian (the Scottish form of John, meaning 'God is gracious'). With its distinctive spelling but familiar pronunciation (similar to 'Ian'), Eian offers parents a way to provide a unique name on paper while maintaining ease of pronunciation. The name has gained modest usage in the United States since the 1990s, appealing to parents seeking contemporary names with a subtle difference from more common choices. Eian combines brevity with a pleasant sound, making it both modern and accessible.
- Sevastian
Description:
Sevastian is a masculine name that represents an alternative spelling of Sebastian, which originated from the Greek name Sebastianos, meaning "from Sebaste" or "venerable." Sebaste was an ancient city whose name derived from "sebastos," the Greek equivalent of the Latin "augustus" (revered). The most famous bearer was Saint Sebastian, a 3rd-century Roman soldier and Christian martyr. While Sebastian ranks consistently in popularity charts worldwide, Sevastian offers a distinctive Slavic twist, particularly popular in Russian and Eastern European cultures. This variation maintains the strong classical roots while providing a unique spelling that sets it apart from the more common Sebastian.
- Mixolydian
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"half-Lydian"Description:
This musical mouthful was chosen for the middle name of one of Nick Cannon's twin sons, Zion. It refers to the Mixolydian mode, a type of ancient Greek musical scale with distinctive harmonic and melodic characteristics. The literal meaning of the word is "half-Lydian," in reference to the Lydian mode.
- Crispian
Description:
Crispian is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the Roman family name Crispus, meaning 'curly-haired.' The name gained historical significance through St. Crispian, a 3rd-century Christian martyr who, along with his brother St. Crispinian, is the patron saint of shoemakers. Crispian achieved literary fame through Shakespeare's 'Henry V' in the famous St. Crispin's Day speech, forever associating the name with nobility and valor. Despite its distinguished history, Crispian remains quite rare as a given name in modern times, making it a distinctive choice. With its classical roots and literary connections, the name conveys a sense of refinement and historical depth, appealing to parents looking for an uncommon name with substantial heritage.
- Kassian
Origin:
Variation of Cassian or KassianiMeaning:
"hollow or cinnamon"Description:
Kassian may be seen as a Kardashianed spelling of the rising saint's name Cassian, which is a variation of Cassius, but it could also be considered the authentic Greek male form of Kassiani, the name of a female saint revered as a hymnographer. However you spell it, this is an attractive and unusual name virtually unused in the US -- though we predict that will soon change. If you're hunting for unusual yet stylish Greek baby names, variations of this name should be on your short list.
- O'brian
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendant of Brian"Description:
Irish surname that refers to High King Brian Boru, also spelled O'Brien. Makes a fabulous first name.
- Vyvian
Description:
Vyvian is a masculine variation of Vivian, which interestingly began as a male name derived from the Latin 'vivus' meaning 'alive' or 'living.' While Vivian is now predominantly used for girls in English-speaking countries, the spelling Vyvian helps reclaim its masculine roots. This spelling variation gives the name a distinctive appearance while maintaining its classical origins. Historically, Vivian was used for men in medieval times, notably Saint Vivian, a 5th-century French bishop. The name remains rare for boys in contemporary usage, making Vyvian an uncommon choice that combines historical precedent with a unique spelling. Its meaning conveys vitality and life-affirming energy.
- Zayvian
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Zayvian is a modern masculine name with American origins, likely created as a unique variation of names like Zavier, Xavier, or Zayden. The distinctive 'Z' beginning gives it a contemporary, dynamic quality that many parents seek. The name may also be influenced by the popular naming trend of combining syllables and sounds to create something fresh and individual.
Introducing the Nameberry App

- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.

