Ivan

יוֹחָנָן

• Gender: Male
• Origin: Biblical English
• Meaning: God is gracious

• Here is a fun bit of name genealogy: Ivan, widely known as a quintessential Russian name, actually traces its roots all the way back to the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." The journey went from Hebrew to Greek (Ioannes) to the Slavic world, where it became one of the most enduring names in Eastern European history. That ancient Hebrew DNA makes it a surprisingly resonant choice for Jewish families with roots in that part of the world.

  Ivan ages like fine wine, sounding equally distinguished on a little kid and a grown adult. Czech-born Jewish author Ivan Klima, who wrote powerfully about life under totalitarianism, is one of many notable Jewish bearers of this name. For families with Russian or Slavic heritage looking for a name that nods to Yochanan without being overtly biblical, Ivan is a handsome bridge between worlds.

• Hebrew Equivalent:
  Elchanan
• Potential Sibling Name:
  Masha
  ,
  Nina
  ,
  Maksim
  ,
  Alexander
• Theme: God