Eithan is an alternate spelling of Ethan, the Hebrew name meaning "strong," "steady," or "enduring."
Eithan is a variant spelling of Ethan, a name of Hebrew origin derived from Eitan, meaning "firm," "enduring," "strong," or "long-lived." In the Hebrew Bible, Ethan appears as the name of a wise man, traditionally Ethan the Ezrahite, who is remembered in connection with wisdom literature and the Psalms. The older Hebrew form has remained alive in Jewish naming traditions, while English Ethan became the dominant spelling in the modern West.
The spelling Eithan reflects the way names adapt when they cross languages and writing systems. It often feels closer to transliterated Hebrew, even when used in English-speaking settings, and can signal a desire to preserve a more visibly Hebraic form of the name. That makes it especially interesting historically: it is not a different name so much as a different cultural presentation of the same ancient root, one that foregrounds heritage over standard anglicization.
In recent decades, Ethan became one of the most popular boys’ names in the English-speaking world, admired for its balance of biblical depth and modern clarity. Eithan has remained less common, which gives it distinction while preserving the same core meaning of resilience and steadfastness. Its literary and religious associations center less on romance or legend than on wisdom and endurance, giving it a serious, thoughtful quality shaped by both scripture and contemporary identity.