Meaning & Origin
A place in the United States: An unincorporated community in Arkansas County, Arkansas. An unincorporated community in Polk County, Missouri. An unincorporated community in Harney County, Oregon. A city in Van Zandt County, Texas. An unincorporated community in Lee County, Virginia. A census-designated place in Boone County, West Virginia.
Van is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old English origin, used as a short form of Vance, Evan, Ivan, or names with the Dutch van (from). As a standalone name, it carries the crisp, one-syllable confidence of great short names.
With nearly 30,000 U.S. births on record, Van has been a consistent American presence. Rock legend Van Morrison — born George Ivan Morrison — gave the name its most iconic musical association, and Van Halen reinforced its rock credibility. Its brevity and strength make it a name that commands attention.