Rising since 1998, #504 for boys today.
Popularity of Ronin since 1998
Babies named Ronin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 75 |
| 2000s | 1,400 |
| 2010s | 4,674 |
| 2020s | 4,123 |
Meaning & origin
Ronin is a Japanese name that first entered U.S. birth records in 1998, coinciding with the release of the film of the same name. Since then, it has risen steadily in popularity, peaking at rank 504 in 2020. In 2025, the name is given to roughly 1 in every 2,847 boys, with particular favor in Alaska, Hawaii, and Idaho. The trajectory has been consistently rising since 1998, reflecting a broader trend toward using culturally specific and strong-sounding names. While its meaning as a 'masterless samurai' carries historical weight, modern usage in the West has largely focused on the name's sound and perceived strength rather than its feudal connotations.
Ronin (浪人) is a Japanese term meaning 'wave man' or 'drifter,' historically referring to samurai who lost their master and became masterless. The name entered English usage through popular culture, notably in the 1998 film Ronin. Since the late 1990s, it has been adopted as a given name in the United States, appealing to parents seeking a strong, culturally distinct name.
Where Ronin 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ro, Roni
Variants: Rōnin
Sibling names for Ronin
Names that share Ronin's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Ronin
Names whose popularity has moved with Ronin's over the last 50 years.
