Nevan
Primarily a boy's name of Irish origin with 1,169 recorded births. Also given to 5 girls.
Meaning & Origin
genitive singular of neva
Nevan is a boy's and girl's baby name of Irish origin, an anglicization of the Gaelic name Naomhán, meaning 'little saint' or 'holy one.' It carries the spiritual warmth of Ireland's rich tradition of saints and scholars, with a softer sound than its near-cousin Niall.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Nevan is a boy's name with several decades of recorded use (1986–2024). Its Irish 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.
Today, Nevan is an active part of the American naming landscape (ranked #5577), continuing to accumulate its own cultural meaning with each new child who carries it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Nevan was #1712 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #5577, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 98 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 352 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 586 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 128 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 5 | — |
The Story of Nevan
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2004, Nevan is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Nevan are most likely born between 1994 and 2014.
How rare is Nevan?
Only about 1 in every 211,765 babies born in 2024 was named Nevan — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1986, peaked in the 2000s with 586 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Nevan by the numbers
- Would fill 24 school buses
- Meeting one Nevan per day would take 3.2 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(36 years, 1986–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 17 | #5577 |
| 2023 | 24 | #4424 |
| 2022 | 19 | #5161 |
| 2021 | 19 | #5060 |
| 2020 | 19 | #4979 |
| 2019 | 12 | #7054 |
| 2018 | 23 | #4448 |
| 2017 | 19 | #5055 |
| 2016 | 32 | #3495 |
| 2015 | 36 | #3202 |
| 2014 | 44 | #2738 |
| 2013 | 43 | #2749 |
| 2012 | 42 | #2856 |
| 2011 | 52 | #2430 |
| 2010 | 49 | #2539 |
| 2009 | 72 | #1969 |
| 2008 | 57 | #2316 |
| 2007 | 69 | #2029 |
| 2006 | 69 | #1962 |
| 2005 | 65 | #1960 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Nevan as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Nevan has also been given to 5 girls in the U.S. since 2008.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nevan a boy's or girl's name?
When was Nevan most popular?
How popular is the name Nevan?
Can Nevan be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1986–2024