Ryan is a male given name of Irish origin, derived from the ancient Irish name "Rían," which means "little king." The name has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as Ryan Gosling and Ryan Reynolds among its bearers.
The name Rían was borne by several early Irish kings, including Rían of Tara, who is said to have ruled in the 5th century. The name became more widespread during the Middle Ages, when it was used as a given name for boys throughout Ireland. Over time, the name evolved into its modern form, Ryan.
The popularity of the name Ryan has varied over the centuries, but it has experienced significant growth since the mid-20th century. In the United States, for example, Ryan has been one of the top 10 most popular boy names every year since 1984, peaking at number two in 1997 and 1998.
Today, Ryan is a well-established name with a strong presence around the world. It is often associated with its Irish roots, but it has also become popular in other cultures due to its appealing sound and meaning. Overall, Ryan is a classic yet modern name that has stood the test of time.
The name Ryan has been a popular choice for babies born in the United States over the past century, with its popularity fluctuating over time. In the early 20th century, the number of births with the name Ryan was relatively low, with fewer than 17 births per year between 1906 and 1939.
However, starting from the mid-20th century, the popularity of the name Ryan began to increase significantly. In the decade between 1950 and 1959, there were an average of 254 births per year with the name Ryan, which is a significant increase compared to previous decades.
The popularity of the name Ryan continued to grow throughout the second half of the 20th century, reaching its peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Between 1970 and 1985, there were an average of over 30,000 births per year with the name Ryan, with the highest number of births occurring in 1984, at just over 29,000.
Despite its popularity, the name Ryan has experienced a decline in recent years. Between 2005 and 2023, there was an average of around 6,000 births per year with the name Ryan, which is significantly lower than the peak years earlier in the century.
Overall, the name Ryan has been a popular choice for babies born in the United States over the past century. While its popularity has fluctuated over time, it remains one of the most common names in recent years.