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Original poster

Ian

64 replies

MrsSaraceni · 14/01/2017 22:50

Opinions on Ian? We are Chinese. Thank you!

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MixedUpConfusion · 15/01/2017 08:18

My brother is Ian. He's in his 50's.

Also, an ex, but his was Iain and a lot of mainly American people kept pronouncing it as Lane... (does a lot of business with Americans)

WhatInTheWorldIsGoingOn · 15/01/2017 08:09

I work in a school and lots of Chinese and African children have more 70's names. I've met a little Barbara and a Clive. Also Ianetta. Dad's name was Ian.

For some reason on a non white british child the name almost starts afresh for me. It quickly becomes just the child's normal name and you don't think of anything else.

I do know a baby Derek though not from these countries!

Pemba · 15/01/2017 07:55

Nothing wrong with Ian. It's just that it was very popular in the UK in the 1950s and 60s and so that's why over here a lot of people would just automatically think of it as dated. But really it's just the Scottish form of John, isn't it? So fairly neutral.

I might be wrong, but I have the feeling that in the USA it has been popular for a younger age group than over here.

I would go for it if you like it OP. I know how hard it is to find a Western name you like that doesn't also mean something unfortunate in Chinese!

HobbitTankard · 15/01/2017 01:07

I would advise against Fabian. It's got eccentric, lentil (literally bean) eating connotations to me. Sorry previous poster but since op is not British I thought I'd be best to give an opinion.

Iain Glen and Ian Charleson the actors also come to mind.

llangennith · 15/01/2017 01:06

Very old fashioned.

Bubbinsmakesthree · 15/01/2017 01:00

I think it is a really nice name in theory BUT it is very much 'of an era' and out of fashion at the moment.

Reality16 · 15/01/2017 00:52

It's horrible, sorry. Keir is better. Confused

Ian is a reasonable name. Not too old.

DramaAlpaca · 15/01/2017 00:52

I like the sound of the name, but I only like the way it looks written down if it's spelled Iain.

HobbitTankard · 15/01/2017 00:48

It is out of fashion at the moment.

However I know a couple of young Iains in Scotland. So it has held on a little here.

I like it.

WildRunner · 15/01/2017 00:42

I love Ian. Admittedly it's my Dad's name, but it's a good strong Scots name - I have a couple of friends named Iain. And it's a refreshing change from all the Isaac, Oscar, Noah, Theo names. Due a resurgence, methinks.

Sophronia · 14/01/2017 23:55

Yes, Trevor, Ian and Colin are all quite popular in America Grin

I actually don't mind Ian, although it is a bit dated

YolandiFuckinVisser · 14/01/2017 23:35

My dad is called Ian (he is 70)

beanfilledfish · 14/01/2017 23:23

think of the cool ians, ian hunter, ian mccullouch, ian dury, ian wright, ian curtis, ian mckellan, ian anderson

pepperpot99 · 14/01/2017 23:23

Ian is lovelyGrin. Go for it!

SwedishEdith · 14/01/2017 23:21

"I think it's due a resurgence in the U.K. along with other classic 1970s boys names like Stephen, Richard, Mark and Paul."

All of those are much nicer than Ian.

SwedishEdith · 14/01/2017 23:19

It's horrible, sorry. Keir is better.

TeshiB · 14/01/2017 23:18

How about Fabian
Or any name with 'Ian' included

CactusFred · 14/01/2017 23:16

Noooo! But if you really insist spell it Iain.

WeeM · 14/01/2017 23:14

It's a bit dated but I still quite like it. if you spell it Iain it's the Gaelic for John.

squoosh · 14/01/2017 23:10

Isn't Trevor quite fashionable in America though? Grin

toldmywraath · 14/01/2017 23:10

I know several Ians, we have three in our immediate family and I like it a lot. A lovely Scottish name.

Mrsfrumble · 14/01/2017 23:07

It's actually very fashionable in the Southern USA where we lived until recently, along with Graham. I knew a little Ian whose parents were proper hipsters!

I think it's due a resurgence in the U.K. along with other classic 1970s boys names like Stephen, Richard, Mark and Paul.

justdontevenfuckingstart · 14/01/2017 23:07

It's not common as such now but I like it, I think it sounds nicer than it looks written down tho. But I know two very closely and they are lovely men so I may be biased.

PhoenixJasmine · 14/01/2017 23:05

All the Ians I know are of my parents generation (50-70 years old now), but actually, I quite like it for a little one now. Makes a change from all the Alfies and Archies.

squoosh · 14/01/2017 23:04

Cian is nice though. Nicer than Kian obv.

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