boy name · Japanese origin
Ryu
/ RYOO /
Meaning
Ryu means Dragon (Japanese).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Japanese
Pronunciation
RYOO
Popularity
#2352 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Ryu in the US, 1880–2025
Ryu first appears in US records in 1985. It peaked in 2012, when 130 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 59.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Ryu mean?
Ryu is written with the kanji for “dragon,” a symbol of power and good fortune.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ryu mean?
Ryu means Dragon. Ryu is written with the kanji for “dragon,” a symbol of power and good fortune.
What is the origin of the name Ryu?
Ryu is of Japanese origin.
How do you pronounce Ryu?
Ryu is pronounced “RYOO.”
Is Ryu a boy or a girl name?
Ryu is most commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Ryu?
In 2025, Ryu ranked #2352 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Ryu most popular?
Ryu was most popular in 2012, when about 130 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.