Find out how popular the first name Xoan has been for the last 3 years (from 2021 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Xoan by gender

Based on the last 3 years of data, Xoan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Xoan.

The history of the first name Xoan

The name Xoan is a Galician variation of the name Juan, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning "Graced by God" or "Yahweh is gracious". It is a masculine given name that originated in Galicia, an autonomous community located in northwestern Spain.

The name Xoan has its roots in the ancient Hebrew language and can be traced back to the biblical figure John the Baptist, who was known as Yohanan in Hebrew. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, the name underwent various linguistic transformations, eventually becoming Juan in Spanish and its Galician counterpart, Xoan.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Xoan can be found in the 12th-century Galician-Portuguese poetry anthology known as the Cantigas de Santa Maria, composed by King Alfonso X of Castile and León. In this collection, the name appears in several cantigas (poems) dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Xoan. One of the most renowned was Xoan de Cangas (c. 1380-1437), a Galician poet and clergyman who played a significant role in the development of Galician literature during the Middle Ages.

Another prominent figure was Xoan Vicente Viqueira (1886-1924), a Galician writer, journalist, and playwright who contributed greatly to the cultural renaissance of Galicia in the early 20th century. His works, such as A Terra Calada and O Fidalgo, explored themes of Galician identity and rural life.

In the realm of visual arts, Xoan Lourenzo (1936-2000) was a renowned Galician painter and sculptor known for his abstract and expressionist works. His pieces are celebrated for their vibrant colors and explorations of Galician cultural themes.

Another notable figure was Xoan Cabana (1966-2005), a Galician writer and journalist who played a pivotal role in promoting the use of the Galician language in the media and literature. His works, including the novel Pequena Grea, explored contemporary Galician society and culture.

Lastly, Xoan Fraga (1959-2008) was a Galician musician and composer who gained recognition for his contributions to the Galician folk and traditional music scene. His compositions blended traditional Galician melodies with modern elements, helping to preserve and promote the region's rich musical heritage.

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

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

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