Find out how popular the first name Ibn has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ibn by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Ibn is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Ibn.

The history of the first name Ibn

The given name Ibn is derived from the Arabic word ibn, meaning "son of." It originated in the Arabian Peninsula during the early centuries of Islam and has been widely used in the Arab world and among Muslim communities around the globe.

Ibn is not a standalone name but rather a prefix that is traditionally followed by the father's name. This practice has its roots in the Arab tribal culture, where lineage and ancestry played a crucial role in establishing one's identity and social standing.

The use of Ibn as a part of one's name can be traced back to the 7th century, when it was commonly employed by early Islamic scholars, rulers, and prominent figures. One of the earliest and most famous examples is Ibn Ishaq (704-767 CE), a renowned Islamic scholar and biographer of the Prophet Muhammad.

Throughout Islamic history, numerous influential individuals have borne names with the prefix Ibn. These include Ibn Sina (980-1037 CE), also known as Avicenna, a renowned philosopher, scientist, and physician whose works significantly influenced Western and Eastern thought. Another notable figure is Ibn Rushd (1126-1198 CE), a philosopher and polymath who made significant contributions to various fields, including law, medicine, and astronomy.

Ibn Battuta (1304-1369 CE), a Moroccan scholar and explorer, is celebrated for his extensive travels across Africa, Asia, and Europe, documented in his renowned travelogue, "The Rihla." His journey spanned over 30 years and covered over 75,000 miles, making him one of the greatest travelers in pre-modern history.

Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406 CE), an Arab historian and philosopher, is widely regarded as the father of modern sociology and historiography. His seminal work, "The Muqaddimah," explored the rise and fall of civilizations, social dynamics, and the impact of environmental factors on human societies.

Ibn al-Haytham (965-1040 CE), also known as Alhazen, was a pioneering scientist and mathematician who made significant contributions to the fields of optics, physics, and astronomy. His groundbreaking work on the nature of light and vision laid the foundations for modern optics.

The use of Ibn as a prefix in personal names has been a long-standing tradition in the Arab and Muslim world, reflecting the importance of familial ties and lineage in these cultures. While its usage has evolved over time, the name Ibn continues to hold historical and cultural significance, serving as a reminder of the rich heritage and contributions of Islamic scholars and intellectuals throughout the ages.

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

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