Surname · Irish origin
Ryan
Meaning
The surname Ryan means Little king.
Origin
Irish
Type
patronymic
The origin of the surname Ryan
Ryan comes from Ó Riain, “descendant of the little king.”
What kind of surname is Ryan?
Ryan is a patronymic surname, derived from a father's or ancestor's given name. It belongs to the Irish naming tradition — you can read how Irish surnames were formed on our Irish last names page.
Other Irish surnames
Other patronymic surnames
Family names formed the same way, from different cultures.
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Ryan mean?
The surname Ryan means Little king. Ryan comes from Ó Riain, “descendant of the little king.”
Where does the surname Ryan come from?
Ryan is a surname of Irish origin.
What kind of surname is Ryan?
Ryan is a patronymic surname, derived from a father's or ancestor's given name.
What are other Irish surnames?
Other Irish surnames include Boyle, Brennan, Byrne, Callaghan, Connolly, Daly.