What does An mean and where does it come from?
The name An is popular in both Chinese and Vietnamese cultures. In Chinese, it is commonly used as a given name and has various meanings depending on the characters used. In Vietnamese culture, it is often associated with safety and security. The name has been historically significant as a virtue na
Cultural significance
An has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Chinese-speaking communities, where it reflects values of chinese.
Peak popularity
Reached #3397 in 2015 — currently #3764 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Chinese-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with An?
An works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
An Grace
Most popular combo · classic
An Rose
Floral · soft ending
An Claire
French influence · crisp
An Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is An right now?
Rising fast — up 537 spots — currently #3764 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3764 | 40 | ▲ up 537 · +21% births |
| 2022 | #4301 | 33 | ▲ up 943 · +38% births |
| 2021 | #5244 | 24 | ▼ down 1253 · -31% births |
| 2020 | #3991 | 35 | ▼ down 594 · -26% births |
| 2015 | #3397 | 47 | ▲ up 28 |
| 2010 | #3425 | 47 | ▲ up 1184 · +62% births |
| 2005 | #4609 | 29 | ▲ up 235 · +21% births |
| 2000 | #4844 | 24 | ▲ up 46 · +20% births |
| 1995 | #4890 | 20 | ▲ up 224 · +11% births |
| 1990 | #5114 | 18 | ▼ down 1442 · -22% births |
| 1985 | #3672 | 23 | ▲ up 2793 · +130% births |
| 1980 | #6465 | 10 | ▼ down 1490 · -17% births |
| 1975 | #4975 | 12 | ▲ up 1120 · +100% births |
| 1960 | #6095 | 6 | ▼ down 1014 · -14% births |
| 1955 | #5081 | 7 | — |
The story of An
An entered American naming records in 1946 and has been in use for over 78 years. With 2,239 total births recorded, An remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5081 in 1955 to #3764 in 2023. An is used for both genders: 55% female and 45% male.
Names that peaked alongside An in 2015:
An by decade
An peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 6 | |
| 1950s | 36 | |
| 1960s | 11 | |
| 1970s | 92 | |
| 1980s | 427 | |
| 1990s | 495 | |
| 2000s | 493 | |
| 2010s ★ | 618 | |
| 2020s | 61 | |
💎With 2,239 total births, An is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for An?
What names sound and feel like An?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love An also consider these
Common questions about the name An
What does the name An mean?
An means "Chinese" — a name rooted in Chinese tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name An?
An is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for An have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of An?
An originates from Chinese tradition. Chinese names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does An sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, An flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as An ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is An trending right now?
An is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.