What does Mahan mean and where does it come from?
Mahan has dual origins. In Persian, it signifies greatness and is often associated with the concept of high achievements or status. In an Irish context, it is linked to the surname O'Mághain and denotes familial fortune. As a personal name, Mahan may not be extensively common but carries significant
Cultural significance
Mahan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Persian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of great, high, exalted.
Peak popularity
Reached #7098 in 2019 — currently #10301 in the US.
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Related Reading
Persian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Mahan?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Mahan?
Mahan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mahan Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Mahan John
One syllable · timeless choice
Mahan Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Mahan Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Mahan Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Mahan Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Mahan right now?
Falling — down 2195 spots — currently #10301 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #10301 | 7 | ▼ down 2195 · -30% births |
| 2024 | #8106 | 10 | ▲ up 2347 · +43% births |
| 2022 | #10453 | 7 | ▼ down 77 |
| 2021 | #10376 | 7 | ▼ down 120 |
| 2020 | #10256 | 7 | ▲ up 3272 · +40% births |
| 2015 | #13528 | 5 | ▲ up 395 |
| 2010 | #13923 | 5 | — |
The story of Mahan
Mahan is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2009. With 70 total births recorded, Mahan remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #13923 in 2010 to #10453 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Mahan in 2019:
💎Mahan has only 70 total recorded births since 2009 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Mahan?
What names sound and feel like Mahan?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mahan also consider these
Common questions about the name Mahan
What does the name Mahan mean?
Mahan means "Great, high, exalted" — 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 Mahan?
Mahan 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 Mahan?
Mahan 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 do you pronounce the name Mahan?
Mahan is a two-syllable name pronounced MAY-un. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Mahan a common or rare name?
Mahan is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.