Rising since 1985, #247 for boys today.
Popularity of Ronan since 1959
Babies named Ronan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 10 |
| 1960s | 47 |
| 1970s | 32 |
| 1980s | 84 |
| 1990s | 322 |
| 2000s | 3,343 |
| 2010s | 9,092 |
| 2020s | 7,749 |
Meaning & origin
Ronan is an Irish name meaning 'little seal' that entered the U.S. naming pool in 1959 but remained rare for decades. Beginning around 1985, it began a steady climb upward, and by 2025 it reached a rank of 247 with approximately 1 in 1,215 newborn boys receiving the name. Its peak year so far is 2025, indicating that it is still gaining favor. Geographically, Ronan is most popular in Vermont, Alaska, and Hawaii, three states known for distinctive name preferences. The name's rise reflects a broader trend toward Celtic names in the United States, alongside other Irish favorites like Liam and Finn. Its strong sound and saintly heritage give it an appeal that bridges tradition and modernity.
Ronan derives from the Old Irish word 'rón' meaning 'seal,' combined with the diminutive suffix '-án,' thus 'little seal.' The name was borne by several early Irish saints, including a 6th-century saint associated with a church in County Kerry, and another who was a missionary to Brittany. It has been used in Ireland continuously since the Middle Ages and gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the late 20th century.
Where Ronan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Ronan” around the world
Where Ronan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
30
babies in 2024
Ireland
#86
in 2025
New Zealand
21
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ro
Variants: Rónán
Sibling names for Ronan
Names that share Ronan's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maeve, Aoife, Ciara, Saoirse, Niamh, Cailin, Dara, Deidre, Rona, Siobhan, Aislyn, Ceara, Keara, Meara, Misha, Myranda, Oona, Raena, Seana, Seanna, Taegan, Teagen, Ailin, Arlana, Duana, Elona, Inis, Morna, Morrigan, Teaghan, Teghan, Vianne, Aideen, Ashara, Aymar, Cearra, Ciarah, Connelly, Dalphine, Elowynn, Enora, Nalanie, Pegeen, Ranada, Riann, Ronya, Roslin, Torina, Eavan, Finola, Aileena, Airyn, Aradia, Breane, Donja, Ethne, Fallan, Fionnuala, Jowana, Macaila, Markela, Rheanne, Rodina, Romanda, Ronnae, Rotha, Rus, Shevaun, Shivonne, Stiorra, Talulla, Talullah, Thiana
Brothers: Declan, Cormac, Finn, Liam, Cian, Brennan, Brennen, Donavon, Doran, Finnian, Keagan, Keegan, Kieran, Nevin, Olan, Roman, Rowen, Seamus, Aedan, Aslan, Brannon, Brennon, Brogan, Calin, Cillian, Clancy, Connell, Dempsey, Devlin, Donavin, Evin, Kaelan, Kennan, Nyle, Shamus, Teague, Tiernan, Bora, Brenan, Bron, Callaghan, Cashel, Colman, Conlan, Cullin, Deaglan, Finian, Fintan, Garron, Jerico, Kaelen, Keaghan, Keeghan, Kieren, Kieron, Lochlann, Malachy, Neven, Orlan, Padraic, Padraig, Phelan, Raider, Shandon, Sheamus, Tynan, Aedin, Aengus, Bastion, Caellum, Colan, Conall, Esker, Faolan, Finan, Finnan, Garvey, Jardani, Kairen, Kealan, Keefer, Kerrick, Khyrin, Kullen, Kyllian, Kynan, Leary, Lorcan, Lydon, Macaulay, Quinlin, Raeden, Ramari, Riordan, Roarke, Romyn, Terek, Tighe, Whalen, Zorian, Alistar, Deaken, Donevan, Jeriko, Rhonin, Aran, Bowan, Chalon, Conal, Conroy, Cormick, Corran, Corrigan, Cowan, Ernan, Finneus, Garek, Kaian, Keanon, Keevan, Kelian, Kermitt, Kielan, Konan, Koron, Liahm, Lochlin, Merric, Ossian, Remon, Reon, Ronon, Rowin, Sair
Names like Ronan
Names whose popularity has moved with Ronan's over the last 50 years.
