Dian

Dian is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. Most commonly, it's considered a variant of Diana, the Roman goddess of the moon and hunting, derived from an Indo-European root meaning 'divine' or 'heavenly.' In Chinese contexts, Dian (点) can mean 'spot' or 'dot,' though with different pronunciation. The name gained modest popularity in the mid-20th century in English-speaking countries, appearing both as a standalone name and as a shortened form of Diana. Notable bearers include anthropologist Dian Fossey, known for her work with mountain gorillas. Dian offers a concise, strong alternative to longer feminine names, combining brevity with classical heritage. Its simplicity and cross-cultural potential make it appealing to parents seeking a straightforward yet meaningful name.

Dian is also given to boys, where it ranks #7310 in the US.

Pronounced DEE-an.

As of October 2026, Dian ranked #7310 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #3865 in 1952.