Names › Boys' names › R › Ryan
Ryan
Meaning: descendant of Rian (possibly 'little king') · Origin: Irish · Gender: usually a boy's name
Origin & history
From the Irish surname Ó Riain; Rian may be linked to rí, 'king'.
Famous people named Ryan
- Ryan Gosling (actor)
- Ryan Reynolds (actor)
Nicknames
Ry
Variants & related names
Rian, Ryann
Ryan name art
A free preview of a printable “Ryan” poster with its meaning — great for a nursery, a birthday or a gift.
Instant download, no subscription. Not printed or shipped — you get a high-resolution PNG to print at home or at a print shop.
FAQ
What does the name Ryan mean?
Ryan means “descendant of Rian (possibly 'little king')”. It comes from Irish.
Is Ryan a popular name?
Yes — Ryan has been one of the most popular boys' names in the United States in the 2020s, according to US Social Security Administration baby-name data.
What are nicknames for Ryan?
Ry.
What are other forms of Ryan?
Rian, Ryann.
Similar names
Finn · Oscar · Rory · Kieran · Desmond · Ronan
More: names starting with R · all boys' names
Sources: standard name etymology references (e.g. Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names); popularity from US SSA and UK ONS baby-name data. Meanings of old names are often debated — where scholars disagree we say so.