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Ethan Baby boy name meaning, origin, and popularity

Ethan name meaning and origin

Ethan means "firm, enduring, strong, and long-lived" in Hebrew. The most notable, and perhaps the earliest Ethan, is mentioned in the Bible several times. He's thought to have authored a passage of the Bible (Psalm 89) and was known for his great wisdom. Some also hypothesize that Ethan was a musician in King David's court.

From Europe to Israel to the United States, Ethan is truly an enduring boy's name. It's one of those ancient, religious names that have withstood eras, generations, and cultures. Yet, it continues to appeal to modern parents – and popular culture.

In books and on screen, characters named Ethan are often handsome and mysterious heroes. Tom Cruise's infamous secret agent Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible film series is just one example. But Ethans are more than smooth heroes, as the name has been given to actors, scientists, politicians, and athletes.

Around the world, Ethan is most commonly a boy's name. It may also be spelled Etan, Eitan, Eithan, and Eytan, depending on the country. In Israel, Ethan is also a common last name, though it's spelled Eitan or Eytan.

Ethan first appeared on the Social Security Administration's list of the 1,000 most popular baby names in 1901, but then fell out of favor until the 1950s. It's remained on the list ever since then, leaping into the top 100 in 1989. Ethan almost made it to the number-one spot twice – in 2009 and again in 2010 – but lost to Jacob both years. It's declined somewhat in popularity since then, but remains a top-20 name.

A name that conveys both wisdom and strength, with ties to the Bible and pop culture, Ethan has earned its place among the most popular names for boys in the U.S. – and it looks like it will stay there.

Ethan name popularity

Popularity over time

babies per million
Source: Social Security Administration & BabyCenter user data

Ethan in pop culture

"Ethan Brand"
Short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Ethan Edwards
Marvel Comics character aka Moral Man
Ethan Frome
Romance novel by Edith Wharton
Ethan Hunt
Character in the film series Mission: Impossible, played by Tom Cruise
Ethan Lovett
Character in the soap opera General Hospital, played by Nathan Parsons
Ethan Rom
Character in the TV series Lost, played by William Mapother
Ethan Zobelle
Character in the TV series Sons of Anarchy, played by Adam Arkin
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Famous people named Ethan

Ethan Beavers
American comic book artist whose work includes Teen Titans Go! and Justice League Unlimited
Ethan Coen
American film director and producer; one half of the Coen brothers, a sibling directing duo known for Fargo and No Country for Old Men
Ethan Embry
American actor known for Sneaky Pete and Grace and Frankie
Ethan Finlay
American professional soccer player
Ethan Hawke
American actor known for Hamlet, Training Day, and Before Sunrise
Ethan Peck
American actor who appeared in films The Sorcerer's Apprentice; grandson of actor Gregory Peck
Ethan Ringle
American race car driver
Ethan Russell
American photographer who captured album covers for rock bands The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who

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