Tristan: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced TRIS-tuhn · 2 syllables
Tristan means “riot; tumult”, from Celtic.
Old French, the name of a knight, lover of Iseult in medieval romance Tristan and Iseult, from Celtic Drystan derived from drest meaning "riot" or "tumult".
- Meaning
- riot; tumult
- Origin
- Celtic
- Pronunciation
- TRIS-tuhn
- US rank (2025)
- #309
- US babies a year
- about 1,682 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2000
- Style
- Mythic
How popular is Tristan?
Tristan was the #309 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,125 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 69% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2000.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #309 |
| England & Wales | #220 |
| Scotland | #426 |
| Northern Ireland | #304 |
| Ireland | #306 |
| France | #349 |
| Norway | #347 |
| Canada | #113 |
| Australia | #600 |
How old are people named Tristan?
Half of US adults named Tristan are older than 26; most are between 18 and 42. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Tristan
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Tristan have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Tristan
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Tristan
What does the name Tristan mean?
Tristan means “riot; tumult”. It comes from Celtic.
How do you pronounce Tristan?
Tristan is pronounced TRIS-tuhn.
How popular is the name Tristan?
Tristan was the #309 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,125 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 69% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2000.
How old are people named Tristan?
Half of US adults named Tristan are older than 26. Most are between 18 and 42.