The name Ivan is a masculine given name derived from the ancient Greek name Ioannes, which comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan. This name ultimately derives from the biblical Hebrew word "Yhvh," meaning "Yahweh is gracious." The name Ivan is a Slavic variant of the Greek name, widely used in various Slavic languages.

The earliest recorded use of the name Ivan can be traced back to the Byzantine Empire, where it was a common name among Eastern Orthodox Christians. It became particularly popular in the Slavic regions of the empire, including parts of modern-day Russia, Ukraine, and the Balkans.

In the 10th century, the name Ivan was introduced to the lands of Kievan Rus' with the Christianization of the region. It quickly gained popularity and became one of the most common names among the ruling elite and the nobility. One notable historical figure with the name Ivan was Ivan I, also known as Ivan Kalita, who was the Grand Prince of Moscow from 1325 to 1340.

During the reign of the Muscovite Tsars, the name Ivan became closely associated with Russian imperial power. Perhaps the most famous bearer of the name was Ivan IV, also known as Ivan the Terrible (1530-1584), who was the first ruler to be crowned as Tsar of All the Russias. His reign was marked by significant territorial expansion and the centralization of power, as well as brutal oppression and violence.

Another notable Ivan in Russian history was Ivan III, also known as Ivan the Great (1440-1505), who played a crucial role in ending the Mongol-Tatar rule over Russia and laid the foundations for the Russian nation-state.

In the 19th century, the name Ivan became a symbol of the common Russian people, particularly in the works of prominent Russian writers such as Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy. One famous literary character with the name is Ivan Karamazov from Dostoevsky's novel "The Brothers Karamazov."

Outside of Russia, the name Ivan has been used in various Slavic cultures, including Serbia, where it is rendered as Jovan, and Bulgaria, where it is spelled as Ivan. One notable bearer of the name from Serbia was Jovan Cvijić (1865-1927), a renowned geographer and founder of anthropogeography.

Throughout history, the name Ivan has been borne by numerous individuals across various fields, including writers, artists, scientists, and political figures, reflecting its enduring popularity and cultural significance in Slavic cultures and beyond.