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-ian/-ien/-ion

  1. Darien

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Darian

    • Meaning:

      "rich, kingly"

    • Description:

      The Darien spelling, which relates to the posh Connecticut town, peaked at Number 393 in 1994 but more recently has been just hanging on at the bottom of the Top 1000. Still, a name with an appealing sound and feel that may ascend again.
  2. Charmian

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "joy"

    • Description:

      This name was used by Shakespeare (who got it from Plutarch) in Antony and Cleopatra for one of the attendants of the Egyptian queen. An interesting possibility, it is heard occasionally in the UK, even less frequently in the US.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Rian

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "little king"

    • Description:

      More authentic and original form of Ryan, but far less common of the two spellings in the US. There were about 170 baby boys named Rian in the US last year, versus over 4000 named Ryan.
  6. Orion

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Description:

      The Greek mythological hunter who was turned into a constellation is much more often used for boys.
  7. Julienne

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "youthful or sky father"

    • Description:

      Fine in France, but here it means vegetables sliced into thin strips.
  8. Gian

    • Origin:

      Italian, diminutive of Giovanni

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Gian sounds (almost) like John, so there's some potential for confusion, but the spelling makes it unmistakeably Italian. It could be a solution if longer names like Gianni and Gianluca aren't your style.
  9. Sebastien

    • Description:

      Sebastien is the French variation of Sebastian, a name with ancient Greek and Latin origins. Derived from the Greek "Sebastianos," meaning "from Sebastia" or "revered," it was historically associated with St. Sebastian, a third-century Roman martyr. This elegant spelling, with the omission of the final 'a,' is particularly popular in French-speaking regions including France, Quebec, and Haiti. Sebastien carries an air of sophistication and European charm while maintaining the strength of the original name. While less common than Sebastian in English-speaking countries, its popularity has grown with increasing appreciation for French naming traditions. The name offers friendly nicknames like Seb or Bastien, combining classical heritage with stylish international appeal.

  10. Dalian

    • Description:

      Dalian is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Welsh elements 'dal' meaning 'to hold' and 'ian' meaning 'God is gracious,' suggesting 'God holds graciously.' Alternatively, it could relate to the Chinese city of Dalian, making it a place name turned personal name. Some consider it a variation of names like Dallen or Dylan. The name has a strong, melodic quality with its balanced syllables. Dalian remains quite rare in Western naming practices but may appeal to parents seeking a distinctive name with cross-cultural resonance. Its uncommon status gives it a fresh, contemporary feel despite potential ancient roots.
  11. Maximillian

    • Origin:

      Variant of Maximilian

    • Description:

      We see no reason to add an extra "L" to Maximilian -- it's long enough as is.
  12. Justinian

    • Description:

      Justinian is a masculine name of Latin origin, drawing its heritage from the illustrious Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, who ruled from 527 to 565 CE and was known for his significant legal reforms and architectural achievements like the Hagia Sophia. The name derives from the Latin 'iustus,' meaning 'just' or 'righteous,' with the suffix adding a sense of belonging or connection. Justinian conveys strength, wisdom, and moral integrity, making it an excellent choice for parents drawn to names with historical gravitas and positive character associations. While relatively uncommon, Justinian offers the familiar nicknames 'Justin' or 'Justo' for everyday use, combining accessibility with distinguished historical roots.

  13. Carnelian

    • Origin:

      Gemstone name

    • Description:

      Carnelian is an ochre-colored semi-precious gemstone, named after a type of cherry.
  14. Vermilion

    • Origin:

      Color name

    • Description:

      This vivid reddish orange color name is an undiscovered possibility -- kind of a female equivalent of Cerulean for boys.
  15. Dorian

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "from Doris"

    • Description:

      A male name occasionally borrowed by the girls, as in Dorian Cramer, a long-running female character on the soap One Life to Live and famous midcentury model Dorian Leigh.
  16. Florian

    • Description:

      Florian is a feminine name derived from the Latin word "floris" meaning "flower." Despite its feminine usage, Florian is traditionally more common as a masculine name, particularly in German, Austrian, and Romanian cultures. The female version emerged as part of the trend of adopting masculine names for girls. It carries connotations of blossoming beauty and springtime vitality. As a feminine name, Florian remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. Women named Florian often appreciate its unique blend of strength and natural beauty. The name's connection to flora also associates it with growth, renewal, and natural elegance.

  17. Rion

    • Origin:

      from the Irish word for Queen

    • Description:

      A much prettier and feminine version of the boys name Ryan which is starting to be used for girls, while still retaining the Irish feel and the regal meaning.
  18. Veridian

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "green"

    • Description:

      Veridian is a variation on Viridiana or Viridis, meaning green. Veridian is also the name of an American aeronautical company, so we recommend you stick with the alternatives.
  19. Olivian

    • Origin:

      Romanian variation of Oliver

    • Description:

      As both Oliver and Olivia grow in popularity throughout the English-speaking world, parents may seek variations that are the same-but-different and Olivian is one such choice. Attractive and easy to understand, yet some confuse it with Olivia.
  20. Fabien

    • Description:

      Fabien is a masculine name of French origin, serving as the French variant of the Latin name Fabianus, which derives from 'Fabius,' an ancient Roman family name. The name ultimately stems from 'faba,' meaning 'bean grower.' Fabien carries an air of sophistication and continental charm, popular throughout French-speaking regions and increasingly recognized internationally. In France, it saw significant popularity during the 1960s-1980s. The name suggests qualities of creativity, elegance, and intelligence. While less common in English-speaking countries, Fabien has gained some recognition through notable bearers, including French athletes and artists, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with European flair.