Evan

John is undeniably a timeless classic. Even when translated into Welsh, the name remains current and timeless.

Evan is most likely the Anglicized form of Ifan, a Welsh form of John. However, the name has other likely origins. Evan can also connect to the Old Welsh name Ieuanc, meaning "young" from the root word "ieu". The name has been tied to the Gaelic Eoghan or the Greek Eugenios as well. 

The name was used in the United Kingdom, especially Wales, since the Middle Ages. There was even a Saint Inan who lived in early medieval times (Inan is a form of Ifan). It was later in popular use in Victorian England and Wales. By the 1920s, it left the English top 100. It returned to the top 100 in 2004 and has been there ever since.

Stateside, Evan was almost always in the top 600. It started rising in the 1960s after decades of steady use. It entered the top 100 in 1983. After 37 years on top, Evan left the top 100 in 2020.

Evan has also been popular in Canada, France, and Ireland. It is neutral in Italy and the Netherlands. As it did in the United States, Evan recently left the top 100 in Scotland and Switzerland. 

The name rhymes with dated names Kevin and Devin, both of which are no longer popular. Yet, Evan's steady use makes it timeless. Even after leaving the top 100, it will remain wearable for years to come.

Evan still fits in with more current names like Levi and Maverick. It has their stylish mid-"v" sound. Besides, with a long history of use, steady use, and the ability to translate, Evan could become a classic. It just doesn't feel as traditional as John, its possible parent name. 

VARIANTS:

Ifan, Inan

NAME STYLES:


SISTERS:

Chloe, Maya, Audrey, Hope, Tessa, Lauren, Katie, Sara

BROTHERS:

Ryan, Connor, Eric, Miles, Wesley, Liam, Trent, Jacob

ALTERNATIVES:

Caelan, Egan, Emrys, Ewan, Griffin, Ivor, Niven, Tavis

FURTHER RESOURCES:

"Evan." Names, Behind the Name, 21 Jan. 2022, https://www.behindthename.com/name/evan.

Nickerson, Eleanor. "Evan." Names of the Week, British Baby Names, 24 May 2014, https://www.britishbabynames.com/blog/2014/05/evan.html. 

What do you think about Evan? Do you consider it dated, current, or somewhere in between?

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