Ioan is a male given name of Romanian origin and meaning. It is derived from the Latin name Ioannes, which is itself derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan. The name Ioannes means "God is gracious" or "God has shown favor". In Romania, Ioan is one of the most popular names for boys, ranking among the top 20 male names in recent years.
The name Ioan has a rich history and cultural significance in Romania. It was traditionally given to boys born around the time of Christmas, as Saint John the Baptist is celebrated on January 7th according to the Romanian Orthodox Church calendar. Throughout history, many notable figures have borne this name, including Ioan Aleamão, a 16th-century Romanian poet and scholar, and Ioan Iacob, a prominent historian and politician in the late 19th century.
In recent years, Ioan has gained international recognition as well, thanks to several prominent individuals bearing this name. These include Ioan Gruffudd, a Welsh actor known for his roles in films such as "Titanic" and "King Arthur", and Ioan Miculescu, a Romanian football coach who won the UEFA European Championship with Greece in 2004.
Overall, Ioan is a strong, timeless name with deep roots in Romanian culture and history. Its meaning reflects a sense of divine favor and grace, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a meaningful and unique name for their baby boy.
In 1917 alone, five babies were named Ioan. Across all years combined, the total number of newborns bearing this name amounts to exactly five.