An uncommon Chinese pick — distinctive and rare.
An ancient march, duchy, and kingdom of northeastern China during the Zhou dynasty.
Yan is a boy's and girl's baby name of Chinese origin, meaning 'swallow' (the bird) or 'strict' depending on the character. It is also used in Slavic cultures as a form of John. The name's brevity and cross-cultural presence give it a clean, international appeal.
Yan climbed 730 spots in the last 20 years — from #3632 to #2902.
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 166 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 268 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 259 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 90 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 121 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 23 | — |
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 44 | #2902 |
| 2023 | 44 | #2890 |
| 2022 | 28 | #3984 |
| 2021 | 25 | #4239 |
| 2020 | 25 | #4135 |
| 2019 | 24 | #4327 |
| 2018 | 34 | #3370 |
| 2017 | 35 | #3311 |
| 2016 | 30 | #3678 |
| 2015 | 18 | #5281 |
| 2014 | 29 | #3689 |
| 2013 | 21 | #4613 |
| 2012 | 24 | #4244 |
| 2011 | 26 | #3984 |
| 2010 | 27 | #3891 |
| 2009 | 28 | #3826 |
| 2008 | 26 | #4040 |
| 2007 | 28 | #3791 |
| 2006 | 33 | #3303 |
| 2005 | 29 | #3446 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Yan has also been given to 99 girls in the U.S. since 1983.
Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1971–2024) · Methodology