Ryan Name Meaning & Origin
Ryan
Origin of the name Ryan:
From the Irish surname O'Riain (descendant of Rian). Rian is an ancient Irish name believed to be a diminutive form of rí (king): hence, "little king."
From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman.
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US Popularity of Ryan Over Time

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- Comments and insights on the name Ryan
Great name for a man. Okay for a girl when spelled "Ryann".
Aryn and Ryan are anagrams of each other; they contain the same letters.
- Personal experiences with the name Ryan
Rian (Ryan) is a beautiful name for a boy or girl. My daughters name is Rian and she is always told what a beautiful name she has.
My name is Ryan Danielle, born in 1994. I like it now. When I was a kid, it didn't fit me well at all, I definitely needed to grow into it. But now that I am grown into it, I like it a lot. I don't love it and it wouldn't be my first choice for a girl or boy, but it still is a pretty name. And I love how I've never met another girl named Ryan. The only major con is people always think I'm a boy. When I was in school and the teacher called my name and I said "here", they always looked kind of confused for a moment. I think it's still a pretty name, though.
My cousin is a named Ryan and, yes, she’s a girl. She’s a baby right now, and I think that the name is good for a fiesty but sweet baby like her. I love spending time with her and I can’t wait to see what she’s like when she gets older!
- Nicknames for Ryan
Ry, Rain, Ann, Ry Ry, Anne, Annie, Ri Ry, Little King
- Meanings and history of the name Ryan
Meanings of the male name "Ryan".
Gaelic:
Little King.American:
Little King.Irish:
Kingly.- Famous real-life people named Ryan
Ryan Williams
Ryan Elizabeth Jones, one-fifth of the Jones quintuplets made famous on the TLC reality television show, Quints By Surprise. Parents are Ethan and Casey Jones. Older sister, Eliot McKenna. The rest of the quints are Brooklyn Faith, Britton Grace, Jack William, and Lila Addison.
Ryan Ruby Mae Pritchard (b. 2010), daughter of American musician, songwriter, and composer Mike Dirnt- Ryan in song, story & screen
Movie: Ryan's Song also the name of the theme song.