Mahan

A handsome and gentle sounding Persian name that would well across multiple cultures, Mahan means "moon". Also written as Mahaan, it is the name of several Iranian places, and might relate to a Sanskrit or Hindi word meaning "greatest, great" or "large". A notable bearer is mathematician and monk, Mahan Mj.

The name has also been used as a surname in the English speaking world, and while this might be down to its Persian and Sanskrit origins, it is more likely derived from the Irish Mac Mathghamhna (McMahon) in this case, meaning "descendent of the bear".

Additionally, within Mormonism, it is associated with Cain, who becomes what Mormons called the "Master Mahan": the head of a secret organization of cheaters and murders. The reasons behind the name aren't known for sure, though theories include that Mahan is a twist on Mason (as in Freemasonry) or on Muhammad (as in the Prophet) and thus used in a vilifying way. More favorable interpretations suggest it comes from the Arabic mustirr and the Sanskrit mahan, giving it the meaning "great keeper of secrets". Regardless, it is understandably not popular among Mormons.

Pronounced muh-HAHN.

As of October 2026, Mahan ranked #10301 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #7022 in 2019.