Boys · #24 in 2025
Ethan: Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Meaning
- Firm, enduring, or solid
- Pronunciation
- EE-thun
- Nickname options
- Often used in full
Origin and meaning
Ethan comes from a Hebrew name associated with firmness and endurance. It appears in the Hebrew Bible. Its clear meaning and concise English form have helped it feel at home alongside both traditional and contemporary names.
U.S. popularity
Ethan ranked #24 for boys in the United States in 2025, with 7,852 boys given this spelling. Its highest recorded U.S. rank was #2, reached in 2009–2010. Historical coverage: 1880–2025. Peak refers to rank, not the largest number of births.
Source: Social Security Administration; historical peaks calculated from its national name files. Rankings count each spelling separately within the listed sex.
The Hello Baby Names take
Ethan feels calm and capable, with a long opening vowel and a soft finish. It has enough structure to sound complete without a nickname. It suits parents who want a familiar biblical name that does not feel especially formal or ornate.
Things to consider
Ethan and Eithan are distinct spellings in the data. The additional letter may change spelling expectations without changing the family's intended sound.
If you love Ethan, consider…
- Owen: Offers a similarly gentle two-syllable shape.
- Nathan: Keeps the soft TH and familiar style.
- Noah: Makes the sound more open and compact.
- Liam: Adds a shorter, rounded alternative.
- Caleb: Brings a firmer final consonant.
- Isaac: Offers another concise biblical choice.
- Evan: Keeps the light opening with a stronger middle.
- Levi: Adds a more energetic ending.