Origin and Meaning of Dian

Divine / Goddess of the Hunt

Origin: Latin - Derived from the Latin name Diana, which comes from the Indo-European root 'dyeu-', meaning 'to shine' or 'sky'. Diana was the Roman goddess of the moon and hunting.

• Dian is a diminutive or variant of Diana, often used in various cultures to honor the goddess of the hunt and the moon.
• In some cultures, such as Indonesian and Malay, Dian is also used as a standalone name, meaning 'light' or 'lamp'.
• Notable bearers include Dian Fossey, an American primatologist and conservationist known for her work with mountain gorillas.
• While Dian is less common than its counterpart Diana, it has seen sporadic popularity, particularly in certain cultures that appreciate shorter names.
• Variations of Dian include Diana, Dianna, Dianne, and Deanne, with many retaining the connection to the divine or light.