Find out how popular the first name Chan has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chan by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Chan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 78% of people named Chan being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Chan.

The history of the first name Chan

The name Chan has its origins in various Asian cultures and languages, tracing back centuries. In Chinese, the name is written as 陳 (Chén) and is derived from an ancient family name that dates back to the Spring and Autumn period (771-476 BC). The name is believed to have originated from the state of Chen, a small feudal state during the Zhou Dynasty.

Chan is also a common name in Korea, where it is transcribed as 찬 (Chan). In Korean, the name is thought to have been derived from the Chinese name and was likely introduced during periods of cultural exchange between the two countries.

In India, Chan is a variation of the Sanskrit name Chandan, which means "sandalwood" or "the moon." This name has been in use since ancient times and can be found in Hindu scriptures and texts.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Chan was Chan Tzu-ch'ien (1899-1983), a prominent Chinese philosopher and scholar. He is known for his work on Neo-Confucianism and his contributions to the development of modern Chinese thought.

Another notable figure is Chan Buddhism, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism that emerged in China around the 6th century AD. The term "Chan" is derived from the Sanskrit word "dhyana," which means meditation or contemplation.

In the realm of literature, Chan Jo-shui (1876-1926) was a renowned Taiwanese writer and poet. He is considered one of the pioneers of modern Taiwanese literature and played a significant role in the literary movement during the Japanese colonial period.

Chan Itch Khachoo (1876-1957) was an Indian freedom fighter and politician from Punjab. He actively participated in the Indian independence movement and served as a member of the Constituent Assembly of India, which drafted the country's constitution.

Chan Siu Kee (1904-1977) was a Hong Kong entrepreneur and philanthropist. He founded the Hong Kong-based company Crocodile Garments, which became a major clothing manufacturer and retailer in Asia.

These examples illustrate the diverse cultural and historical contexts in which the name Chan has been used, spanning various regions, languages, and eras.

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 Chan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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