Ran

Ran is a concise masculine name with multicultural origins. In Japanese, it can mean 'orchid' or 'water lily,' symbolizing elegance and purity. In Hebrew, Ran means 'song' or 'joy,' conveying a sense of happiness and celebration. In Old Norse mythology, Ran was a sea goddess who collected the drowned in her net, giving the name a connection to ancient traditions. In Chinese, depending on the character used, it can mean 'to burn' or 'to kindle.' This short, punchy name has remained relatively uncommon in Western countries but has gained some popularity in Israel and parts of Asia. Its brevity makes it easy to pronounce across languages, adding to its international appeal.

Ran is also given to girls, where it ranks #16718 in the US.

Pronounced RAN.

As of October 2026, Ran ranked #13727 in US births in 2024 SSA, peaked at #1036 in 1887.