Iban
A boy's name of Spanish origin with 524 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A member of a branch of the Dayak peoples of Borneo.
Iban is a boy's baby name of Spanish origin, the Basque form of Juan or John, from the Hebrew Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious.' The Basque Country has its own unique naming tradition, and Iban represents the Basque adaptation of one of the most universal names in the Western world.
Iban carries the linguistic distinctiveness of the Basque people — a language and culture unrelated to any other in the world — combined with the universal spiritual meaning of John. It is a name that asserts regional identity while carrying one of humanity's most beloved names.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Iban is a boy's name with several decades of recorded use (1973–2019). Its Spanish roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
Though no longer in the top 1,000, Iban’s 524 recorded births mean it has left a mark. Every name carries the accumulated identity of the people who have worn it — and Iban has decades of that history.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Iban has 40+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1973.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 41 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 189 | — |
| 1990s | 189 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 80 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 25 | — |
The Story of Iban
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2002, Iban is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Iban are most likely born between 1992 and 2012.
How rare is Iban?
With 524 total births on record, Iban remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1973, peaked in the 1990s with 189 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Iban by the numbers
- Would fill 11 school buses
- Meeting one Iban per day would take 1.4 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(40 years, 1973–2019)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 6 | #11288 |
| 2017 | 5 | #13005 |
| 2014 | 6 | #11240 |
| 2012 | 7 | #10111 |
| 2011 | 9 | #8315 |
| 2010 | 8 | #9105 |
| 2009 | 12 | #6964 |
| 2008 | 10 | #7905 |
| 2007 | 19 | #4877 |
| 2006 | 19 | #4752 |
| 2005 | 15 | #5393 |
| 2004 | 23 | #3919 |
| 2003 | 25 | #3559 |
| 2002 | 29 | #3135 |
| 2001 | 20 | #4024 |
| 2000 | 17 | #4464 |
| 1999 | 20 | #3750 |
| 1998 | 19 | #3757 |
| 1997 | 24 | #3094 |
| 1996 | 22 | #3242 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iban a boy's or girl's name?
When was Iban most popular?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1973–2019