Ryan
A unisex name of Irish origin, meaning little king; descendent of rian.
How Ryan has moved
View as table
| Year | US rank |
|---|---|
| 2015 | #39 |
| 2016 | #40 |
| 2017 | #44 |
| 2018 | #46 |
| 2019 | #54 |
| 2020 | #57 |
| 2021 | #66 |
| 2022 | #74 |
| 2023 | #83 |
| 2024 | #87 |
| 2025 | #99 |
Ryan by the numbers
In 2025, 374 babies in England and Wales were named Ryan. In the US, 8,422 were, though that figure is from 2017, the most recent full year we hold.
For the size of the two countries, it is given several times more often in the US than in England and Wales.
Its American peak was 29,895 babies in 1985, making it a 1980s name.
At its height, in 1985, about 1 in 64 American babies born that year was called Ryan.
Names that come from Ryan
Forms of Ryan in other languages, names built from it, and names that mean a son or daughter of it. Not always the same sex.
- Riaanlittle king; a form of Rian or Ryan142 in the US (2017)
- Riyana form of Ryan; little king38 in England and Wales (2025)
- Ryanalittle king; feminine form of Ryan4 in England and Wales (2025)
- Ryan-Juniorlittle king; a form of Ryan combined with Junior3 in England and Wales (2025)
Spelled almost the same
Other names in the records within a letter or two of Ryan. Close spellings are not always related names, but they are usually worth seeing together.
Sounds like Ryan
Names that are said the same way as Ryan, however they are written. Sounding alike does not mean they share a history.
- Ryannlittle king; feminine form of Ryan360 in the US (2017)
- Rianlittle king or kingly140 in England and Wales (2025)
- Rihaanswift moving or divine gift71 in the US (2017)
- Ryannelittle king; a form of Ryan65 in the US (2017)
- Rihansweet basil10 in England and Wales (2025)
- Riannefeminine form of ryan or blend of rhianne13 in the US (2017)
Other names that mean a king or ruler
Like Ryan, each of these has a king or ruler in its meaning. Different names, different histories, the same idea.
- Henryruler of the home2,295 in England and Wales (2025)
- Averyruler of the elves10,365 in the US (2017)
- Aubreyelf ruler; noble strength6,029 in the US (2017)
- Kinsleyfrom the king's meadow; an English place name used as given name4,048 in the US (2017)
- Arthurbear; the legendary king3,211 in England and Wales (2025)
- Reaganlittle king3,211 in the US (2017)
Names about as common as Ryan
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