Evan is a popular name with its origins deeply rooted in Welsh, Hebrew, and Greek history. Derived from the Hebrew name “John” or “Yochanan”, Evan means “the Lord is gracious”.
The name Evan can also be translated from Hebrew to mean “rock” and is used as a shortened version of the Greek names Evangelos which means “good messenger” and Evander which means “good man”. This timeless name is a reflection of divine favor and kindness, making it a common choice across different cultures and regions.

- Name Origin: Welsh
- Pronunciation: EH-v-uhn
- Gender: Most often used as a boy’s name.
How Popular is the Name Evan?
Evan has been a popular name in Wales since the Middle Ages. It was even used over the border in the neighboring English counties.
Although Evan is a popular name, it has not been overused. According to the Social Security Administration data, it remained in the top 100 names until 2020 when it fell to a ranking of 105.
Name Variations
Name | Meaning | Origin |
Ewan | Born of yew; God is gracious | Scottish |
Ifan | God is gracious | Scottish |
Ivano | God is gracious | Slavic |
Ivan | Yew | French |
Javan | Ionian | Hebrew |
John | God is gracious | Hebrew |
Owen | Noble born | Welsh |
Other Amazing Welsh Boy Names
Name | Meaning |
Adain | Someone who has wings |
Aeron | Berry |
Bedwyr | Name from Arthurian legend |
Cai | To rejoice |
Dafydd | Beloved |
Gethin | Strong Lord |
Harri | Leader of the army |
Alternative Boy Names Starting with ‘E’
Name | Meaning | Origin |
Eamon | Wealthy protector | Irish |
Earl | Nobleman, warrior, prince | Anglo Saxon |
Ebenezer | Stone of help | Hebrew |
Eden | Paradise | Hebrew |
Edgar | Wealthy spear | Old English |
Edison | Son of Edward | English |
Egan | Fire | Irish |
Famous People Named Evan
- Evan Thomas Peters – American actor.
- Evan Handler – American Actor.
- Evan Sanders – Indonesian actor and singer.
- Evan Rachel Wood – American actress.
- Evan Dando – American musician and frontman of the Lemonheads.