Mulan
First Name Meaning, Usage, Popularity & Related Names
Mulan is a Chinese name meaning “magnolia orchid” or “wood orchid”. It is a uncommon name, overwhelmingly used for girls, with 100% female usage.
Meaning & Origin of the name Mulan
Mulan is a name of profound cultural significance, originating from Chinese. It literally translates to "magnolia orchid" or "wood orchid," evoking images of beauty, resilience, and grace. The name is most famously associated with the legendary warrior Hua Mulan, a folk heroine who disguised herself as a man to take her elderly father's place in the army. Her story is one of courage, filial piety, and unwavering spirit, popularized globally by Disney's animated film Mulan. Choosing Mulan gives a child a name rich in heritage and powerful symbolism.
Meaning Comments
- Xxjeekundoxx: This name is gorgeous but it's a bit too associated with the Disney movie.
- Sk1ttl3pure: One of my absolute favorite Disney movies! The original is better than the live action version imo.
- Vampire_2236: Very beautiful and strong. A bit unfortunate that it's too associated with the Disney movie.
Gender Usage of the Name Mulan
Overall Gender Classification Methodology
Mulan is overwhelmingly used as a name for girls. Approximately 100% of recorded bearers are female. This classification is supported by a large number of recorded bearers.
Popularity of the Name Mulan
Note: Green bars show popularity (% of births); the violet line shows historical ranking. Data is based on official government birth records. Click any chart to view details by year and region.
Overall PopularityMethodology
Mulan is listed under Uncommon Girl Names worldwide. Its overall popularity is supported by stronger usage in Canada across the available regional markets.
| Region | Popularity | Birth Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Uncommon | 1 in every 195K births |
| United Kingdom | — | — |
| Canada | Common | 1 in every 410K births |
| Australia | Common | 1 in every 610K births |
Ranking OverviewMethodology
Mulan ranked #6,883 on the Popular Girls’ Names Worldwide List (2025). It fell from #2,928 in 2024 — a drop of 3,955 places. Mulan is uncommon in official lists but appears occasionally.
Historically, its best recorded position was #2,928 in 2024. Its lowest recorded position was #11,533 in 2008. Over the last 5 years (2020–2025) the name fell -2665 places (from #4,218 to #6,883).
Characteristics of the Name Mulan
Pronunciation & StructureMethodology
- Phonetic Source
- Namedary
- Syllables
- 2 syllables — Two-Syllable Girl Names
- Length
- 5 letters — Medium-Length Girl Names
- Starts with
- M — Girl Names Starting with M
- Ends with
- n — Girl Names Ending in “n”
Name AestheticMethodology
Mulan is defined by a two-syllable structure with a strong initial stress, giving it a sharp, decisive phonetic impact. The name is inextricably linked to the legendary Hua Mulan, cementing a Strong & Powerful aesthetic. Its phonetic composition is compact and resonant, projecting resilience.
Middle Names For Mulan
Middle names used with MulanMethodology
Mulan is most frequently used with: Mulan Lakey
Middle name suggestions for MulanMethodology
Based on observed first-middle-name pattern combinations, Mulan is most frequently associated with girl middle names that have Strong stress pattern, 5 letters, and a starting sound of “m”.
Examples: Mulan Moore · Mulan Mills · Mulan Marsh · Mulan Marks · Mulan Moose. View all 101 suggested middle names.
Names Similar to Mulan
Sound Like Mulan Finder
Names with the exact same overall pronunciation and sound: Melanie · Melina · Milena · View all Top 100 names
Same Starting Sound Finder
Names that begin with a similar phonetic sound: Mary · Margaret · Michelle · View all Top 100 names
Rhymes With Mulan Finder
Names that share similar ending sounds and rhymes: Susan · Karen · Helen · View all Top 100 names
Same Rhythm & Syllables Finder
Names with matching syllable stress and pronunciation rhythm: Mary · Linda · Sarah · View all Top 100 names
More Info
How to Spell Mulan in ASL
- M
- u
- l
- a
- n
Comments on the name Mulan
3 comments
Kitt_kills5
Hua Mulan (Chinese: 花木蘭) is a legendary Chinese folk heroine from the Northern and Southern dynasties era (4th to 6th century CE) of Chinese history. Scholars generally consider Mulan to be a fictional character. Hua Mulan is depicted in the Wu Shuang Pu (無雙譜, Table of Peerless Heroes) by Jin Guliang. Disney's character Fa Mulan is directly inspired by this folk heroine.
Bmba_wtshes
Ruth Mulan Chu Chao (Chinese: 趙朱木蘭; pinyin: Zhào Zhū Mùlán; 1930 – 2007) was the matriarch of a Chinese-American family successful in shipping. In 2016, Harvard Business School dedicated the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center in her honor, making it the first building at the business school named for a woman and an Asian American. Four of Chao's six daughters attended the business school, including former United States Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao and former Foremost Group CEO Angela Chao.
Rangerkillk0
Kasundra "Kassy/Kas" Betinol, also known by the Chinese name Kang Mulan (Chinese: 康木兰; pinyin: Kāng Mùlán), is a Canadian ice hockey player, currently playing in the ECAC Hockey conference of the NCAA Division I with the Colgate Raiders women's ice hockey program. She has played internationally with the Chinese national ice hockey team.