Find out how popular the first name Arjan has been for the last 35 years (from 1990 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Arjan by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Arjan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 106 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Arjan.

The history of the first name Arjan

The name Arjan has its origins in the Persian language and culture, dating back to the ancient Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE. It is derived from the Old Persian word "arya," meaning "noble" or "honorable." The name likely gained popularity during the reign of the Achaemenid kings, as it reflected the values and ideals of the ruling class.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Arjan can be found in the Zoroastrian sacred text, the Avesta, which was composed between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE. In these ancient scriptures, the name is mentioned in connection with various mythological and religious figures, suggesting its widespread use among the Persian population.

During the Sasanian Empire (224-651 CE), the name Arjan continued to be prevalent, particularly among the aristocracy and the military elite. Historical records from this period mention several notable individuals bearing this name, including Arjan, a high-ranking military commander who served under King Khosrow I (531-579 CE).

In the Indian subcontinent, the name Arjan gained prominence during the Mughal Empire (1526-1857 CE). One of the most renowned figures with this name was Guru Arjan Dev (1563-1606 CE), the fifth guru of the Sikh faith. He played a crucial role in compiling the Adi Granth, the sacred scripture of Sikhism, and is revered as a spiritual leader and martyr.

Another famous bearer of the name Arjan was Arjan Singh (1919-2017), a celebrated Indian Air Force officer who served as the Chief of the Air Staff during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, for his distinguished military service.

In the realm of literature, the name Arjan is associated with Arjan Kalra (1952-2022), an acclaimed Indian author and translator. His works, including the novel "Kya Din The" and translations of classic Persian poetry, have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape.

While the name Arjan has Persian roots, it has been embraced by various cultures and communities across the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, each adding their own unique cultural significance and historical context to this noble and honorable name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Arjan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Arjan, please contact us.

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