Yvan is a French male given name derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," which means "God is gracious." The name was popularized in France by French author Anatole France, who used it for one of his characters in his novel "Les dieux ont soif" (The Gods Are Thirsty). In English-speaking countries, Yvan is often Anglicized to Ivan. Although the name has not been particularly common in recent years, it has a rich history and cultural significance that dates back centuries.
The name Yvan has seen a steady decline in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. According to recent statistics, only five babies were named Yvan in the year 1996, which is quite a significant drop compared to previous years. It appears that this name was more popular in the mid-twentieth century, with the highest number of births recorded being in 1940, when 256 babies were given the name Yvan. However, since then, its popularity has gradually decreased, and it has become quite rare. Despite its rarity, Yvan remains a unique and distinct name that stands out from more common choices. It is important to note that while the overall number of births named Yvan may be low, each one represents a special individual with their own story to tell.