Chan
Fact sheet
- Name
- Chan
- Gender
- Boy name
- Syllables
- 1
The first name Chan, which is primarily used as a male name but can also occur in female form, has its roots in Khmer and translates to 'the moon'. This meaning originally derives from the Sanskrit word candrá (चन्द्र). Chan is especially common in Cambodia.
What does the name Chan mean?
Chan is a male, and rarely female, first name that is written as ចាន់ in Khmer and means 'the moon'. This name is common in Cambodia and is occasionally used as a surname there.
Where does the name Chan come from?
The name Chan has Cambodian roots and means 'the moon'. The etymology traces back to the Sanskrit word candrá (चन्द्र). It belongs to the Asian languages, particularly Khmer, and also has connections with Thai.
How do you pronounce Chan?
The pronunciation of Chan is simple and concise. The name is monosyllabic and is often pronounced in German as 'Tschan' [tʃan] or [ʃan]. At its core is a short, open vowel that has a direct impact. The compact structure and clear ending of the name give it an immediate presence. Chan thus appears focused and reduced – a name in simple form that still possesses a striking effect.
Popularity
In Germany, Chan is a rather rare first name. Currently, it ranks 5,840th on the list of the most common male baby names. Its best ranking was in 2009, when it reached 1,979th place. In the last ten years, Chan has been given as a first name about 20 times, which places it 5,784th in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it stands at 5,330th place.
Nicknames & pet names
Channie
Similar first names
Chanda
Famous people
- Aung Chan Moe (footballer)
- Bang Chan (singer and leader of the group Stray Kids)
- Chan Cham Hei (Hong Kong football player)
- Chan Chao (American photographer)
- Chan Davis (mathematician from America)
- Chan Fai Lui (Hong Kong cyclist)
- Chan Gailey (American football player)
- Chan Hin Kwong (Hong Kong football player)
- Chan Jong (American writer)
- Chan Kok Heng (Malaysian football player)
- Chan Lam Hams (Hong Kong cyclist)
- Chan Mou (Hong Kong artist)
- Chan Wing Hong (Malaysian football player)
- Chan Yoon (South Korean actor)
- Chan-hee Kang (American actor)
- Chan-jae Jang (South Korean cyclist)
- Chi-chan Lin (Taiwanese swimmer)
- Dong-Chan Kim (football player from South Korea)
- Geun-chan Ha (English writer)
- Hee-chan Kim (South Korean actor)
Frequently asked questions about the name Chan
What does the name Chan mean?
Chan is a male first name that means 'the moon' and is written as ចាន់ in Khmer.
Where does the name Chan come from?
The name has Cambodian roots and derives from the Sanskrit word candrá, which also means 'moon'.
How popular is the name Chan?
In Cambodia, Chan is a common first name and is also occasionally used as a surname there.