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

Popularity of Tian by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Tian is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 69% of people named Tian being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 26 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Tian.

The history of the first name Tian

The name Tian has its origins in Chinese culture, where it is a unisex name that can be used for both males and females. It is derived from the Chinese word "天" which translates to "heaven" or "sky" in English. This name has been in use for centuries, with its earliest recorded examples dating back to ancient Chinese literature and historical records.

One of the earliest known references to the name Tian can be found in the Analects of Confucius, a collection of sayings and philosophical teachings attributed to the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius (551–479 BC). In this text, the name Tian is mentioned in the context of discussing the concept of "Tian Dao" or "the Way of Heaven," which refers to the natural order of the universe and the ethical principles that govern human behavior.

During the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), the name Tian was commonly used as a personal name among the aristocracy and elite classes. One notable figure from this period was Tian Feng (938–968 AD), a renowned Chinese poet and calligrapher who was known for his lyrical poetry and skilled brushwork.

In Chinese mythology, the name Tian is associated with the concept of the Jade Emperor, also known as Yuhuang Dadi, who is considered the supreme ruler of heaven and the highest deity in the traditional Chinese pantheon. This association further reinforces the celestial and divine connotations of the name.

Other notable historical figures who bore the name Tian include Tian Rucheng (1504–1585), a Ming Dynasty scholar and philosopher known for his contributions to neo-Confucianism, and Tian Ying (1557–1605), a renowned Chinese landscape painter of the late Ming Dynasty.

In more recent history, Tian Han (1898–1968) was a prominent Chinese playwright, writer, and poet who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern Chinese literature. His works, such as the play "Guan Hanqing," helped shape the development of contemporary Chinese theater and drama.

While the name Tian has ancient roots and a rich cultural heritage, it continues to be a popular choice for newborns in various regions of China and among Chinese communities around the world, symbolizing the connection to celestial and spiritual realms.

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

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

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