Ian /ian/ [2 sylls.] as a boys' name is pronounced EE-an, EYE-an. It is of Scottish and Gaelic origin, and the meaning of Ian is God is gracious.Variant of John. Iain is the normal Scottish Gaelic spelling. Author Ian Fleming; actor Ian McKellen.an /ian/ [2 sylls.] as a boys' name is pronounced EE-an, EYE-an. It is of Scottish and Gaelic origin, and the meaning of Ian is God is gracious.