Ninian

Ninian is a masculine first name that has its origins in Scotland and Ireland. The exact origin is not definitively clarified. The name likely means 'the ash tree'.

What does the name Ninian mean?

Ninian is a masculine first name with Scottish-Irish roots, whose origin is not entirely clear. It is likely associated with 'the ash tree'. Possible origins include the Celtic word *nino, meaning 'ash' or 'ash tree', as well as the old Celtic or Breton name 'Nynniaw' or 'Ninniau'. The name is also associated with the Scottish missionary, bishop, and saint Ninian of Whithorn, who is said to have converted the Picts and Scots in southern Scotland to Christianity. The name derives from the surname Ninindh. His date of death is dated to September 16, 423 AD. Ninian is particularly esteemed in the Scottish Lowlands.

Where does the name Ninian come from?

The etymology of Ninian is of Celtic origin and means 'the ash tree'. The Celtic

How do you pronounce Ninian?

Ninian is pronounced approximately as 'Nin-jan'.

When is the name day of Ninian?

The name day for Ninian falls on September 16.

Popularity

In Germany, Ninian is a rather rare first name. In 2016, it ranked 4,252nd among the most common masculine first names. Ninian reached its best position in 2010 at 2,204th place. In the last ten years, the name has been given as a first name less than 10 times, placing it at 6,739th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 6,325th.

Nicknames & pet names

Nian / Nini / Nino

Similar first names

Niniane

Famous people

• Ninian Comper (English architect)
• Ninian Edwards (Senator, Governor in Illinois)
• Ninian Finlay (British rugby player)
• Ninian Jamieson Finlay (Scottish rugby player)
• Ninian Sanderson (Scottish racing driver)
• Ninian Smart (religious scholar)
• Ninian Spot (bishop)
• Ninian Stephen (Australian judge, governor-general)
• Ninian Winzet (Scottish theologian)
• Sir John Ninian Comper (British architect)