Than first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Than has been for the last 33 years (from 1981 to 2013) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Than

An old Vietnamese name meaning "sincere" or "honest".

Popularity of Than by gender

Based on the last 33 years of data, Than is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2013, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Than.

Year Male Count Female Count
2013 5 0
1992 7 0
1986 8 0
1982 6 0
1981 5 0

The history of the first name Than

The name Than is of ancient Sanskrit origin and can be traced back to the Vedic period of Indian history, around 1500-500 BCE. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "thana," meaning "greatness" or "prosperity." The name was popular among the members of the Brahmin caste in ancient India.

In the sacred Hindu texts, the Vedas, the name Than is mentioned in several hymns and prayers, indicating its significance in the religious and cultural traditions of the time. It was often associated with prosperity, wealth, and spiritual enlightenment.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Than was a renowned scholar and philosopher who lived in the 6th century BCE. He was known for his contributions to the development of the Nyaya school of Hindu philosophy, which emphasizes logic and reason.

During the Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE), a prominent minister and advisor to Emperor Ashoka bore the name Than. He was renowned for his wisdom and played a crucial role in the administration of the vast empire.

In the medieval period, a famous Indian mathematician and astronomer named Than Bhat (476-550 CE) made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in the areas of trigonometry and calculus.

In the 12th century, a renowned Sufi mystic and poet from Persia, Than Qalandar, gained widespread recognition for his spiritual teachings and devotional poetry. His works continue to be studied and celebrated by Sufis and literary scholars alike.

During the Mughal era in India (16th-19th centuries), a prominent courtier and advisor to several Mughal emperors, Than Khan, played a vital role in the administration and diplomacy of the empire. He was known for his strategic acumen and diplomatic skills.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Than. The name has endured over centuries, reflecting its deep roots in the cultural and historical traditions of the Indian subcontinent.

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

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

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"Than first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 15, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/than-meaning-and-history/.

"Than first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/than-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 15 May, 2025

Than first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/than-meaning-and-history/.

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