Tristan: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: tre-e-sta-hn
Origin: France
gender-male

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Apr 14, 2025 · 2 mins read
Region Origin: Europe
Meaning: Sad

Tristan is a gender-neutral name of Celtic origin, derived from the French word "triste," which means "sad" or "melancholy". The name is also associated with Latin and Welsh origins, meaning "noise". The name Tristan gained popularity due to its association with the medieval Arthurian legend of Tristan and Iseult, a tragic love story. In this legend, Tristan was a knight of the Round Table and the tragic hero. The name has been consistently among the top 1000 names given to baby boys in the United States. The name Tristan has a rich history and association with various legends and mythologies. In addition to the Arthurian legend, it has also been used in Welsh, Cornish, and Breton languages, where it is derived from a diminutive of the Welsh word "Drust". The name has been used by numerous famous people, including actor Chris Hemsworth, who named one of his twin sons Tristan. Overall, the name Tristan is steeped in history and meaning, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and timeless name.

Tristan Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Tristan is currently #298 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Boy: Tristan is currently #298 on Kiindred Boy Names
gender-male Overall Unique: Tristan is currently #295 on Kiindred Unique Names
gender-male Boy Unique: Tristan is currently #295 on Kiindred Boy Unique Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Source: Social Security Administration

Famous People Named Tristan

This section lists notable individuals and public figures named Tristan, showcasing their achievements and contributions in various fields.

  • Tristan Thompson: Tristan Thompson is a Canadian professional basketball player known for his career in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and Chicago Bulls.
  • Tristan Evans: Tristan Evans is a British musician and drummer for the band 'The Vamps', known for their hit songs "Can We Dance" and "Somebody to You."
  • Tristan Wilds: Tristan Wilds, also known as Mack Wilds, is an American actor, singer, and songwriter known for his roles in "The Wire," "90210," and his music career.
  • Tristan Tzara: Tristan Tzara was a Romanian and French avant-garde poet, essayist, and performance artist, known as one of the founders of the Dada movement. He passed away in 1963.
  • Tristan MacManus: Tristan MacManus is an Irish dancer and television personality known for his work as a professional dancer on "Dancing with the Stars" and "Strictly Come Dancing."

 

Baby Names A-Z

Wikipedia, NSW Births Deaths and Marriages, QLD Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages, WA Registry of Births, SA Registry of Births, VIC Registry of Births, Social Security Administration

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