boy name · Irish origin
Ryan
/ RY-un /
Meaning
Ryan means Little king (Irish).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Irish
Pronunciation
RY-un
Popularity
#99 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Ryan in the US, 1880–2025
Ryan first appears in US records in 1906. It peaked in 1985, when 29,905 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 3,532.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Ryan mean?
From the Irish surname Ó Riain, generally read as “little king.”
Names like Ryan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ryan mean?
Ryan means Little king. From the Irish surname Ó Riain, generally read as “little king.”
What is the origin of the name Ryan?
Ryan is of Irish origin.
How do you pronounce Ryan?
Ryan is pronounced “RY-un.”
Is Ryan a boy or a girl name?
Ryan is most commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Ryan?
In 2025, Ryan ranked #99 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Ryan most popular?
Ryan was most popular in 1985, when about 29,905 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.