Ethan - Boy's Name Meaning, Origin, And Popularity - BabyCenter

Home » What Does The Name Ethan Mean » Ethan - Boy's Name Meaning, Origin, And Popularity - BabyCenter

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Popular Baby NamesMost Searched Name ListsBaby Name SearchMy Saved Names
  1. Baby Names
Ethan/EE-thuhn/

At a glance

Origin: HebrewUS Popularity: #31Meaning: Enduring, long-livedadd to my favorite names listSave to listSee saved namesRebekah WahlbergFact-checked by Rebekah WahlbergTahirah BlandingWritten by Tahirah BlandingUpdated on Mar 2, 2026In this article
  • Ethan name meaning and origin
  • Ethan name popularity
  • Popularity over time
  • Ethan in pop culture
  • Famous people named Ethan
  • Names similar to Ethan
  • Baby name lists including Ethan

Ethan name meaning and origin

Ethan means "firm, enduring, strong, and long-lived" in Hebrew. The most notable, and perhaps the earliest Ethan, is mentioned in the Bible several times. He's thought to have authored a passage of the Bible (Psalm 89) and was known for his great wisdom. Some also hypothesize that Ethan was a musician in King David's court.

From Europe to Israel to the United States, Ethan is truly an enduring boy's name. It's one of those ancient, religious names that have withstood eras, generations, and cultures. Yet, it continues to appeal to modern parents – and popular culture.

In books and on screen, characters named Ethan are often handsome and mysterious heroes. Tom Cruise's infamous secret agent Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible film series is just one example. But Ethans are more than smooth heroes, as the name has been given to actors, scientists, politicians, and athletes.

Around the world, Ethan is most commonly a boy's name. It may also be spelled Etan, Eitan, Eithan, and Eytan, depending on the country. In Israel, Ethan is also a common last name, though it's spelled Eitan or Eytan.

Ethan first appeared on the Social Security Administration's list of the 1,000 most popular baby names in 1901, but then fell out of favor until the 1950s. It's remained on the list ever since then, leaping into the top 100 in 1989. Ethan almost made it to the number-one spot twice – in 2009 and again in 2010 – but lost to Jacob both years. It's declined somewhat in popularity since then, but remains a top-20 name.

A name that conveys both wisdom and strength, with ties to the Bible and pop culture, Ethan has earned its place among the most popular names for boys in the U.S. – and it looks like it will stay there.

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Popularity over time

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Ethan in pop culture

"Ethan Brand" Short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne Ethan Edwards Marvel Comics character aka Moral Man Ethan Frome Romance novel by Edith Wharton Ethan Hunt Character in the film series Mission: Impossible, played by Tom Cruise Ethan Lovett Character in the soap opera General Hospital, played by Nathan Parsons Ethan Rom Character in the TV series Lost, played by William Mapother Ethan Zobelle Character in the TV series Sons of Anarchy, played by Adam Arkin Advertisement | page continues below

Famous people named Ethan

Ethan Beavers American comic book artist whose work includes Teen Titans Go! and Justice League Unlimited Ethan Coen American film director and producer; one half of the Coen brothers, a sibling directing duo known for Fargo and No Country for Old Men Ethan Embry American actor known for Sneaky Pete and Grace and Frankie Ethan Finlay American professional soccer player Ethan Hawke American actor known for Hamlet, Training Day, and Before Sunrise Ethan Peck American actor who appeared in films The Sorcerer's Apprentice; grandson of actor Gregory Peck Ethan Ringle American race car driver Ethan Russell American photographer who captured album covers for rock bands The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who

Names similar to Ethan

Like Ethan? What about:

Noahadd to my favorite names listLiamadd to my favorite names listAidenadd to my favorite names listLoganadd to my favorite names listElijahadd to my favorite names listOwenadd to my favorite names listNathanadd to my favorite names listLucasadd to my favorite names listEvanadd to my favorite names listMasonadd to my favorite names listJacobadd to my favorite names listOliveradd to my favorite names list

Common sibling names

Sisters

Emmaadd to my favorite names listEmilyadd to my favorite names list

Brothers

Evanadd to my favorite names listDylanadd to my favorite names listLoganadd to my favorite names listJacobadd to my favorite names listRyanadd to my favorite names listAustinadd to my favorite names listNathanadd to my favorite names listTyleradd to my favorite names listElijahadd to my favorite names listNoahadd to my favorite names list

Baby name lists including Ethan

  • 100 most popular Hispanic baby names for boys in 2016

    newborn baby in knit hat

  • 180 cute boy names

    By Kelly BurchA toddler eating a lollipop outside

  • Top baby boy names that start with E

    By Rebekah Wahlberg

  • 251 biblical baby names

    By Rebekah WahlbergA person with a cross tattoo on their finger holding a newborn's hand

  • 200 effortlessly cool boy names you'll love

    By Betsy ShawA father helping a toddler walk

  • 240 endearing country baby names

    By Mary SauerA collage of country-themed items, including a cowboy hat, toy red truck, horse shoes, and a hay bale

  • 50 elegant baby names that exude class

    By Maggie PanosA baby with blue eyes wearing a pearl headband, wrapped in a cream blanket, lying on a textured orange surface.

  • Hottest baby name trends of 2010

    By Evonne Lack Bradford
Show more

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