Find out how popular the first name Iban has been for the last 44 years (from 1976 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Iban by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Iban is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Iban.

The history of the first name Iban

The name Iban originates from the Iban people, an ethnic group native to the Malaysian portion of the island of Borneo. The name dates back to the 16th century and is derived from the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian word "ivan," meaning "wanderer" or "nomad." This name reflects the traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle of the Iban people, who were once known for their practice of shifting cultivation and their skill in boat-building.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Iban can be found in the 17th-century Malay manuscript "Sejarah Melayu" (Malay Annals), which chronicles the history of the Malay Sultanate of Malacca. In this text, the name is mentioned in reference to the Iban warriors who were renowned for their bravery and prowess in battle.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Iban. One of the most prominent was Iban Sidin (1907-1994), a Malaysian politician and the first Iban to be appointed as a minister in the Malaysian government. He played a significant role in advocating for the rights and interests of the Iban community during his tenure.

Another influential figure was Iban Malik (1925-2019), a Pakistani diplomat who served as the Ambassador of Pakistan to several countries, including the United States, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. He was known for his expertise in international relations and his efforts to promote peace and understanding between nations.

In the realm of literature, Iban Zaldi (1908-1985) was a renowned Indonesian poet and writer. His works, which often explored themes of nature, spirituality, and national identity, were instrumental in shaping the modern Indonesian literary landscape.

Moving to the field of sports, Iban Navarro (born 1979) is a Spanish professional basketball player who has represented his country in numerous international competitions, including the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics.

Lastly, Iban Ayesta (1835-1904) was a Spanish architect and engineer known for his contributions to the development of public infrastructure in the Basque region of Spain. His notable works include the design of several bridges, railways, and urban planning projects.

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

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

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