Tristan

Meaning of Tristan

The meaning of Tristan is debated, but is often associated with 'sorrowful' or 'noise'. It could also be derived from a Pictish name.

Tristan has Celtic roots — browse every Celtic baby name in our catalog.

Popularity of Tristan

Tristan has cooled off, slipping to #309 in 2025, down from a peak of #80 in 2009.

Tristan as a girl's name

Tristan is also used as a girl's name. Derived from a Celtic name meaning "sorrowful" or "sad."

Notable people named Tristan

• Tristan Thompson
  Basketball player
• Tristan Prettyman
  Musician (male)
• Tristan Wilds
  Actor
• Tristan Rogers
  Actor
• Tristan Murail
  French composer

More Celtic names

Questions about the name Tristan

What does the name Tristan mean?

Tristan means the meaning of tristan is debated, but is often associated with 'sorrowful' or 'noise'. it could also be derived from a pictish name, and it comes from Celtic origins.

Is Tristan a boy's or a girl's name?

Tristan is used for both boys and girls in the United States, which makes it a unisex name.

How popular is the name Tristan?

In 2025, Tristan ranked #309 for boys, down from #267 the year before.

When was Tristan most popular?

Tristan peaked at #80 in 2009.