Ivan is a common male name derived from the Slavic name Ivan, which means "God is gracious." It is widely used in various cultures, particularly in Russia and other Eastern European countries. The name has many variations, including John in English and Juan in Spanish. In literature, one notable character named Ivan is Ivan Ilyich Golovin from the novella "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" by Leo Tolstoy. This story explores themes of mortality and the search for meaning in life. Ivan's experiences reflect the struggles many face when confronting their own existence and the inevitability of death.