Logan: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Logan is a male name of Scottish Gaelic origin, meaning "little hollow". Originally a Scottish surname derived from a place name, it has become one of the most popular given names in the English-speaking world.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Scottish Gaelic |
| Meaning | Little hollow |
| Gender | Male |
| Pronunciation | LOH-gən |
Etymology of Logan
Logan derives from Scottish Gaelic lagan, meaning "little hollow" or "small meadow in a hollow". The name originally referred to a place—a geographical feature describing a low-lying area surrounded by higher ground.
As a Scottish surname, Logan was traditionally associated with families living in or near such hollows, particularly in the Lowlands of Scotland. The most notable place bearing this name is Logan Water in Ayrshire, which gave its name to the surrounding area and the families who settled there.
The transition from surname to given name occurred primarily in the 20th century, following a broader pattern in English-speaking countries where Scottish and Irish surnames became fashionable as first names. The name entered English usage directly from Scots, without significant transformation.
History of Logan
Origins and Early Use
Logan first appeared as a Scottish territorial surname in medieval records, with the Logan family holding lands in Ayrshire by the 12th century. For centuries, it remained exclusively a surname, with notable bearers including James Logan (1674-1751), colonial administrator and scholar in Pennsylvania.
As a given name, Logan saw minimal use before the mid-20th century. Early SSA records show it barely registering in the 1900s-1940s, with rankings in the 500-800 range and very low birth counts.
Rise to Popularity
Logan's transformation from obscure surname to popular first name occurred in distinct waves:
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | Scottish surname trend begins | Rose from #1015 (1960s) to #348 (1980s) |
| 1990s-2000s | Celtic revival + X-Men character Wolverine (Logan) | Entered Top 100, then Top 50 |
| 2010s | Peak popularity era | Reached #5 in 2017 (14,057 births) |
| 2020s | Sustained popularity | Remains in Top 20-50 range |
Modern Usage
Logan peaked in 2017 at #5 and has since moderated to #46 as of 2024, still representing over 6,000 births annually. The name maintains strong popularity in Canada, Australia, and the UK as well as the United States.
Key insight: Logan rose because it combined Scottish heritage appeal with a strong, modern sound during the Celtic name revival of the 1990s-2000s, and stabilized as parents sought established-but-not-overused options in the 2020s.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Logan when they want to convey strength and approachability, especially in contexts involving rugged individualism, Scottish heritage, or contemporary masculinity without classical formality.
Variants of Logan
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Logan | Standard form |
| Scottish | Logan | Original form, unchanged |
| Irish | Loughán | Different origin (small lake), phonetically similar |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
- Lo
- Logie
- Log
Similar Names
- Landon - Similar sound pattern, also surname-origin
- Greyson - Contemporary Scottish surname style
- Rogan - Irish name, similar ending
Logan Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #501 | 22 |
| 1920s | #771 | 74 |
| 1940s | #846 | 56 |
| 1960s | #1015 | 58 |
| 1980s | #348 | 519 |
| 2000s | #40 | 9,737 |
| 2020s | #16 | 9,161 |
| 2024s | #46 | 6,267 |
Peak: 2017, ranked #5 (14,057 births)
Current (2024): #46 (6,267 births)
Trend analysis: Logan's rise coincided with the Celtic surname trend and pop culture references, particularly the X-Men character Wolverine (whose real name is Logan). The name peaked in the late 2010s and has since stabilized at high but not extreme popularity levels.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Logan as a Username
Availability
"logan" as a username is often taken on major platforms, though availability varies by service and region.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | logan | Professional (if available) |
| With numbers | logan99, logan2024 | Gaming |
| Abbreviated | log, loga | Social media (character limits) |
| Stylized | xlogan, loganx, logann | Creative, preserves core sound |
Digital Impression
Logan as an ID tends to project:
- Strength and reliability - because of its rugged, one-syllable-feeling sound
- Contemporary masculinity - because it peaked in modern era, not classical period
- Approachability - because it lacks formal or aristocratic associations
Best for: Gaming profiles, casual social media, outdoor/adventure content
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want to avoid common names.
Is Logan good for a username?
Logan works well as a username if you value a strong, modern, and approachable identity. However, due to its high popularity (especially among millennials and Gen Z), you will likely need variations like "logan_" or "loganx" to secure availability on established platforms.
FAQ
What does Logan mean?
Logan means "little hollow" from Scottish Gaelic lagan, originally referring to a low-lying meadow.
Is Logan popular?
According to SSA data, Logan ranks #46 in the US (2024). It peaked at #5 in 2017 and remains consistently popular, though slightly declining from its peak.
What are nicknames for Logan?
Common nicknames: Lo, Logie, Log (though many use the full name).
Is Logan a boy's or girl's name?
Logan is traditionally and predominantly a male name, though it has seen some limited use for girls in recent years (primarily in the US).
How do you pronounce Logan?
Logan is pronounced LOH-gən, with stress on the first syllable. The second syllable is reduced, similar to "button" or "wagon."
Is Logan good for a username?
Logan works well as a username if you value strength and modern appeal, though high popularity means variations are often necessary for availability.
Related Names
- Landon - Similar contemporary surname-origin name with softer sound
- Greyson - Another Scottish surname turned first name, same era trend
- Declan - Irish name, part of same Celtic revival movement
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name Last updated: February 2026