Sophan
A boy's name with 8 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
When Sophan hit its peak of 8 births in 1985, American naming was shifting away from mid-century classics toward more individualistic, expressive choices.
Today, Sophan reads as a name tied to a specific era — which is exactly what draws some parents to it.
Sophan is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Sophan is a boy's baby name of Khmer (Cambodian) origin, meaning 'beautiful' or 'good looking' in Khmer. It is a traditional Cambodian given name used across the country, often appearing in the names of prominent Cambodian figures in politics, arts, and culture.
In the United States, Sophan appears almost exclusively in Cambodian-American communities, a legacy of the Cambodian refugee diaspora that settled primarily in California, Massachusetts, and other states following the 1970s and 1980s. Its two-syllable sound — so-PHAN — is clean and pronounceable in English, making it a practical choice for families navigating both cultures.
EtymologyShow more
Sophan is built from 6 letters and two syllables — a mid-length form that balances memorability with distinctiveness.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Sophan creates its characteristic clean, contemporary quality. Two-syllable names are the most common length in American naming, hitting a natural speech rhythm that works across formal and informal contexts.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Sophan has 1+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1985.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 8 | — |
The Story of Sophan
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1985, Sophan is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Sophan are most likely born between 1985 and 1985.
How rare is Sophan?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Sophan is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1985, peaked in the 1980s with 8 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(1 years, 1985–1985)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | 8 | #5085 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sophan a boy's or girl's name?
When was Sophan most popular?
How popular is the name Sophan?
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1985–1985