Iain

Iain is a masculine given name, chiefly used in Scotland. It is the Scottish Gaelic form of Ian, which in turn is a form of John. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew Yohanan, passing through Latin Ioannes and the French Jean.

In Scotland, the spelling Iain is common and often chosen to reflect Gaelic heritage. Variants include Ian, and in Irish contexts Eoin; the broader family of forms also includes the English John. The spelling Iain is sometimes used in English-language contexts to emphasize Gaelic origins.

Notable people with the name include the Scottish writer Iain Banks (1954–2013), who published science fiction under the pen name Iain M. Banks; the Scottish actor Iain Glen (born 1961), known for roles in Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones; and the British politician Iain Duncan Smith (born 1954), who led the Conservative Party from 2001 to 2003. The name is used across various fields and remains particularly common in Scotland and among communities with Gaelic heritage.