Behn

brave, courageous
Persian origin · Unisex name
50% boys50% girls
#1655US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.2%Percentile

What does Behn mean and where does it come from?

Behn is derived from the Persian word 'beh', meaning 'good' or 'better', often used in names to signify virtue.

Cultural significance
In Persian culture, names like Behn are often chosen for their positive connotations and are used for both genders.
Peak popularity
Reached #1655 in 2015 — currently #1655 in the US.
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Related Reading
Persian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Behn?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Behn?

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

Behn Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Behn Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Behn Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Behn Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Behn Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Behn Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Behn
Browse ideas →

How popular is Behn right now?

Holding steady — currently #1655 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1655 · Top 1.2%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#165510stable
2022#165510stable
2021#165510stable
2020#165510stable
2019#165510
💎Behn is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Behn?

Common
Be

Famous people named Behn

BJ
Behnaz Jafari
An Iranian actress known for her roles in Persian cinema.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
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Common questions about the name Behn

What does the name Behn mean?
Behn means "brave, courageous" — a name rooted in Persian 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 Behn?
Behn is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Behn?
Behn originates from Persian tradition. Persian names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Behn sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Behn flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Behn ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Behn more of a girl or boy name?
Behn is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.