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Name meaning & originEthan אֵיתָן

/EE-thun/

HebrewBoy
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Ethan is a Hebrew boy's name pronounced /EE-thun/. The name Ethan signifies strength, resilience, and a solid foundation.

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Meaning of Ethan

The name Ethan signifies strength, resilience, and a solid foundation.

Derived from the Hebrew name Eitan, it appears several times in the Hebrew Bible, most notably referring to Ethan the Ezrahite, who was renowned for his wisdom. The root word implies permanence and endurance, often used in biblical contexts to describe ever-flowing streams or strong fortifications. It transitioned from a strictly religious name to a popular secular name in the English-speaking world during the 17th century.

Origin
Hebrew
Pronunciation
/EE-thun/

Cultural background

Ethan is a staple name in Western countries, consistently ranking as a top choice in the United States, Canada, and Australia for several decades.

Variations & nicknames

  • Eitan
  • Eytan
  • Etienne
  • Izzy
  • Ethie
  • Aithan

Famous people named Ethan

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Ethan Allen

    Revolutionary War hero and co-founder of Vermont

    Politics/Military · 18th Century

  • Ethan Hawke

    Academy Award-nominated American actor and director

    Film · Modern

  • Ethan Hunt

    Protagonist of the Mission: Impossible film series

    Fiction · Modern

  • Ethan Coen

    Acclaimed filmmaker and one half of the Coen brothers

    Film · Modern

  • Ethan Frome

    Protagonist of Edith Wharton's classic 1911 novel

    Literature · 20th Century

Frequently asked about Ethan

Is Ethan a biblical name?
Yes, Ethan appears in the Old Testament, most notably as a wise man whom King Solomon was compared to.
What is the female version of Ethan?
There is no direct female equivalent, though names like Edith or Ethel share similar sounds, and some use Eithne in Irish contexts.
Is Ethan a popular name?
Ethan has been a highly popular choice in English-speaking countries since the late 20th century, often appearing in the top 20 baby name lists.

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