Ryan

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Little King; Descendant of the King

Background: The name Ryan originates from the Gaelic surname 'O'Riain,' meaning 'descendant of Rian.' The name Rian itself is linked to the meaning 'little king' or 'kingly,' emphasizing its royal connotations.

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#31
Total births
987,785
Most popular decade
1980s (855,393 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-50 ranks)
Years in Top 100
54
First recorded year
1906

Gender usage

97.2% male 2.8% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1906
First year births
10
First year rank
#798
Peak year
1985
Peak year births
29,909
Peak rank
#12
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
3,892
Recent rank
#87

Female

First year
1959
First year births
7
First year rank
#5,031
Peak year
2018
Peak year births
866
Peak rank
#365
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
399
Recent rank
#701

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

Related links