Ryan
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.
Is Ryan popular?
Declining Ryan is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1985 peak.
| 2020s | 25,959 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 91,006 | |
| 2000s | 173,244 | |
| 1990s | 241,248 | |
| 1980s | 278,938 | |
| 1970s | 139,635 | |
| 1960s | 11,322 | |
| 1950s | 1,961 | |
| 1940s | 500 | |
| 1930s | 134 | |
| 1920s | 111 | |
| 1910s | 55 | |
| 1900s | 10 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Ryan mean?
Ryan is anglicised from the Irish surname Ó Riain, “descendant of Rían,” a name linked to rí, “king” — hence the popular gloss “little king.”
Nicknames for Ryan
- Ry
Variants & spellings
- Rian
- Ryen
Names like Ryan
Irish names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Ryan
Popular Irish names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Ryan
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ryan mean?
Ryan means Little king. Ryan is anglicised from the Irish surname Ó Riain, “descendant of Rían,” a name linked to rí, “king” — hence the popular gloss “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.
Is Ryan a popular name right now?
Ryan is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1985 peak.
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.
What are common nicknames for Ryan?
Common nicknames for Ryan include Ry.
What names are similar to Ryan?
Names similar to Ryan include Aidan, Owen, Declan, Liam.
What names go well with Ryan?
Irish names that pair well with Ryan include Liam, Aiden, Sean, Aidan, Connor.