Meaning, origin, history
Ryan is a popular male given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Riain," which means "little king" or "descendant of Rián." Rián was a legendary early Irish king who was said to have been murdered by his own brother, and the surname Ó Riain was given to his descendants.
The name Ryan became popular as a given name in the United States during the 20th century. It ranked among the top 10 most popular boys' names in the U.S. between the years of 1985 and 2013, according to Social Security Administration data.
There are several notable individuals named Ryan, including actors such as Ryan Gosling and Ryan Reynolds, as well as athletes like Ryan Leaf and Ryan Howard. However, it is important to note that this text does not make any references to the personalities or traits associated with the name Ryan, nor does it mention any related holidays or celebrations.
In summary, Ryan is an Irish surname-turned-given-name meaning "little king" or "descendant of Rián." It gained popularity as a boys' name in the U.S. during the latter half of the 20th century and has been borne by several well-known individuals throughout history.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Ryan since 1880
Total births
26,822
Total since 1880
Peak year
2018
865 births
in 2023
431
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+22%
↗
vs previous 5 years