Ion

“violet”

Greece origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#6040US 2023

15Births / yr

↑Rising

260All-time births

📅 Since 192800

How to pronounce Ion

EYE·ahn

/ˈaɪ.ˌɑn/ · stress on EYE · 2 syllables

“violet”

Greece origin · Boy name

What does Ion mean and where does it come from?

The name Ion is a common name in Greece and Romania. In Greek, Ion (Ιων) relates to the violet color, while in Romanian, it refers to a river. Ion is a variation of the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' It is a well-known name with famous bearers such as Ion Iliescu, a former presiden

Cultural significance

Ion has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of violet.

Peak popularity

Reached #3805 in 1969 — currently #6040 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Ion?

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

Ion Grace

How popular is Ion right now?

Rising fast — up 7042 spots — currently #6040 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#6040 · Top 4.5%

1975

1980

1995

2000

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#6040	15	▲ up 7042 · +200% births
2022	#13082	5	▼ down 4656 · -44% births
2021	#8426	9	▼ down 1789 · -25% births
2020	#6637	12	▲ up 493 · +9% births
2015	#7130	11	▲ up 3818 · +83% births
2010	#10948	6	▼ down 2582 · -14% births
2000	#8366	7	▲ up 754 · +40% births
1995	#9120	5	▼ down 3349 · -17% births
1980	#5771	6	▼ down 1673 · -25% births
1975	#4098	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ion

Best Year1975Rank #4098

Peak Count15

Average Rank#7962

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1975 - 202310 years

The story of Ion

Ion entered American naming records in 1928 and has been in use for over 96 years. With 260 total births recorded, Ion remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4098 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6040 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ion in 1969:

Michael David James John Robert

Ion by decade

Ion peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1920s	5
1960s	17
1970s	31
1980s	20
1990s	40
2000s	50
2010s ★	85
2020s	12

💎Ion has only 260 total recorded births since 1928 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Ion?

Common

IonieIony

What names sound and feel like Ion?

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

Zion

American · highest point

Cion

Greek · sign, token, or

Iong

Greek · A Greek name

Lion

English · Lion; symbol of

Common questions about the name Ion

What does the name Ion mean?

Ion means "violet" — a name rooted in Greece 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 Ion?

Ion is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Ion have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Ion?

Ion originates from Greece tradition. Greece 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 Ion?

Ion is a two-syllable name pronounced AY1 AA2 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Ion trending right now?

Ion is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.