Arran

“Pillar” — Associated with the Isle of Arran in Scotland

Scotland origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#10926US 2023

6Births / yr

↑Rising

261All-time births

📅 Since 197300

How to pronounce Arran

AH·RRAN

/ˈɑ.ˈrræn/ · stress on AH · 2 syllables

“Pillar”

Associated with the Isle of Arran in Scotland · Scotland origin

What does Arran mean and where does it come from?

Arran is derived from the Gaelic word for pillar (éarann), and can be associated with the Isle of Arran in Scotland. The name is used in both Scotland and Ireland and has connotations of strength and support. Arran is a popular name in Scottish culture and has seen various spellings and forms over t

Cultural significance

Arran has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pillar.

Peak popularity

Reached #4470 in 1973 — currently #10926 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Arran?

Arran works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Arran Grace

How popular is Arran right now?

Rising fast — up 1578 spots — currently #10926 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#10926 · Top 8.1%

1980

1985

1995

2000

2005

2010

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#10926	6	▲ up 1578 · +20% births
2022	#12504	5	▼ down 2713 · -29% births
2021	#9791	7	▲ up 175
2010	#9966	7	▼ down 546
2005	#9420	7	▼ down 2913 · -30% births
2000	#6507	10	▲ up 147 · +25% births
1995	#6654	8	▲ up 462 · +60% births
1985	#7116	5	▼ down 1783 · -29% births
1980	#5333	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Arran

Best Year1980Rank #5333

Peak Count10

Average Rank#8691

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1980 - 20239 years

The story of Arran

Arran is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1973. With 261 total births recorded, Arran remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5333 in 1980, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10926 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Arran in 1973:

Michael Christopher Jason James David

Arran by decade

Arran peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	7
1980s	22
1990s	62
2000s ★	87
2010s	83

💎Arran has only 261 total recorded births since 1973 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Arran?

Common

Arr

What names sound and feel like Arran?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Arran also consider these

Ireland · high, noble

Avran

Hebrew · Hebrew

Artan

Albania · strength, strong

Arvan

English · A meaningful name

Abran

English · A meaningful name

Arras

Arabic · A Arabic name

Common questions about the name Arran

What does the name Arran mean?

Arran means "Pillar" — a name rooted in Scotland 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 Arran?

Arran is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Arran?

Arran originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Arran?

Arran is a two-syllable name pronounced AA1 R R AE1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Arran a common or rare name?

Arran is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.