Van \van\ as a boy's name (also used as girl's name Van), is pronounced van. It is of Danish origin, and the meaning of Van is "of". Equivalent of "de" in French names. Also a nickname for Evan. Van was sometimes converted from a surname prefix to a given name by early immigrants to America. The name became familiar in the 1950s due to actors Van Johnson and Van Heflin. Pianist Van Cliburn; actor Van Johnson.