MallowbyNames

Ryan

RY-ən · From the Irish surname Ó Riain, from the early personal name Rian, of uncertain meaning but often connected to rí, "king."

2025 rank (boys)
#99
Babies named in 2025
3,532
Peak popularity
1985
2025 frequency
1 in 484 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 1985

Declining since 1985, #99 for boys today.

Popularity of Ryan since 1906

Babies named Ryan per year in U.S. Social Security records.

10k19.9k29.9k192019602000Most births 1985Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1900s10
1910s55
1920s111
1930s134
1940s500
1950s1,961
1960s11,322
1970s139,635
1980s278,938
1990s241,248
2000s173,244
2010s91,006
2020s25,959

Meaning & origin

Ryan tells the story of the great Irish-surname wave in miniature. Absent from American records until 1906, it built slowly for half a century, accelerated hard after Ryan O'Neal's 1970 stardom, and crested in 1985 as one of the defining boys' names of its era. The decline since has been unusually gentle: four decades after its peak, Ryan still ranked No. 99 in 2025, reaching about 1 in every 484 newborns.

Geography reinforces the name's roots. Ryan runs strongest in New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Connecticut, the Irish-American Northeast where surnames like Ó Riain became first names a generation early. Its staying power owes something to sound as much as heritage: two easy syllables, no spelling ambiguity, and a long roster of likable public bearers from Gosling to Reynolds to Seacrest have kept it feeling current rather than dated, even as its numbers ease.

Ryan is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Riain, "descendant of Rian." Rian itself is an early Irish personal name whose derivation is not securely known; the traditional suggestion reads it as rí ("king") plus a diminutive ending, giving the popular gloss "little king," but Irish-language scholars treat that as plausible rather than proven. As an American first name Ryan is a twentieth-century creation: it enters Social Security records in 1906 and rode the broader fashion for Irish surname names after mid-century. Ryan O'Neal's leading role in Love Story (1970) gave it a decisive push, and it climbed into the top ranks of the 1970s and 1980s.

Read more: Ryan on Wikipedia

Where Ryan 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.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Ryan” around the world

Where Ryan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    185

    babies in 2024

  • Ireland

    #57

    in 2025

  • New Zealand

    #55

    in 2025

  • Quebec

    #84

    in 2025

  • Australia (NSW)

    #81

    in 2025

Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec) · NSW Registry of BDM (Australia (NSW)).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Ry

Variants: Rian, Rhyan, Ryne, Ryann

Famous people named Ryan

Sibling names for Ryan

Names that share Ryan's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Megan, Erin, Lauren, Kelly, Shannon, Emily, Allison, Alyson, Amie, Angie, Ashley, Ashlyn, Breanna, Briana, Brianna, Brittany, Brittney, Brooke, Carly, Cassidy, Chelsea, Colleen, Crystal, Dana, Emilee, Erika, Hailey, Heather, Jenna, Jessica, Jessie, Justine, Kaitlyn, Katrina, Kayla, Kelli, Kelsey, Kristen, Krystal, Kylie, Leann, Lindsay, Meagan, Meghan, Morgan, Reagan, Reese, Shana, Shanna, Shauna, Shelly, Tiffany, Whitney, Abbey, Allyson, Alysa, Alysha, Ashely, Ashlee, Ashli, Braelynn, Breana, Breann, Breanne, Breeanna, Bridgett, Brienna, Britany, Britney, Britny, Brittni, Bryana, Caitlin, Caitlyn, Caleigh, Cari, Carisa, Carleigh, Carley, Cayla, Chantel, Chelsey, Christen, Chrystal, Ciera, Cori, Cortney, Danni, Dayna, Devyn, Elyssa, Eryn, Haleigh, Hayley, Jaclyn, Jaimee, Jaimie, Jayme, Jenelle, Jessi, Julianne, Kacie, Kaila, Kaitlin, Kaitlynn, Kaley, Kalyn, Kandice, Karli, Karrie, Kasie, Katelin, Katelyn, Katelynn, Katlin, Katlyn, Kayle, Kayleen, Kayley, Kaytlyn, Keeley, Keely, Keily, Keli, Kellee, Kelley, Kellie, Kelsi, Keri, Kerri, Kerrie, Kiley, Kimberley, Kirstin, Kori, Kourtney, Kristan, Kristyn, Krystle, Leigh, Linsey, Lyndsey, Lynsey, Maegan, Makenna, Meaghan, Nicki, Reanna, Regan, Reilly, Rya, Shaina, Shannan, Shanon, Shawna, Tayla, Tiffani, Tiffanie, Tiffini, Tori, Tracie, Aaryn, Aleisha, Aleshia, Allisa, Allissa, Allyn, Aryn, Ashlea, Ashlei, Ashlin, Aundrea, Barbie, Becca, Breauna, Breeana, Breeann, Briann, Brianne, Briauna, Brieanna, Britani, Britni, Brittan, Brittaney, Caitlynn, Cameryn, Casie, Cassaundra, Cassey, Catelyn, Catlin, Chanell, Chasidy, Chassidy, Ciarra, Corie, Courtnee, Cristie, Cristin, Deserae, Ellyn, Erinn, Jaclynn, Jaymee, Jaymie, Jeni, Jerrica, Jesica, Jessyca, Jolee, Kaily, Kally, Karena, Kasi, Katelynne, Katilyn, Kaylea, Kaysie, Keirra, Keirsten, Kelcey, Kelle, Kellyann, Kellyn, Kelsy, Kierstin, Kimberlyn, Krislyn, Kristeen, Krysten, Krystin, Kyley, Kyli, Kyrstin, Laurin, Leighanne, Leisha, Lindsy, Lyndsay, Lyndsie, Mackayla, Mackenzi, Magan, Meggan, Meghann, Melyssa, Raeanne, Rayann, Rayanna, Rayanne, Renea, Rheanna, Ryanna, Shalynn, Shannah, Shannel, Shannen, Shaunda, Shaunna, Shavonne, Shawnna, Shenna, Shonna, Tausha, Teanna, Teryn, Tiffaney, Whittney, Ailee, Ailen, Aleasha, Alisyn, Allicia, Allyse, Allysen, Alyissa, Alyssah, Ashle, Ashliegh, Ashlye, Beckey, Brandice, Brayla, Breahna, Breaunna, Breianna, Briahna, Brieanne, Brigett, Britanie, Britanny, Brithany, Britnie, Brittainy, Brittanny, Bryann, Cailynn, Caitlan, Calley, Cammi, Carrisa, Cassady, Cassidie, Catie, Catlyn, Caycee, Ceirra, Charelle, Chavon, Chelsa, Chelsae, Chrislyn, Chrislynn, Christyn, Coree, Cortni, Coryn, Courtnay, Courtny, Crissa, Crystalyn, Crystina, Dereka, Derika, Errin, Hollee, Jacqlyn, Jaelene, Jaimy, Jamielee, Jamielynn, Jamy, Jamye, Jenika, Jennelle, Jennilee, Jilian, Jolissa, Josilyn, Kaitlynne, Kaly, Karee, Karlynn, Karys, Karyssa, Kasondra, Katee, Kateland, Katelyne, Kaylynne, Kaysi, Kayte, Kealey, Kealy, Kearsten, Keary, Keilly, Kelcy, Kelliann, Kellianne, Kellyanne, Kelyn, Kendrea, Kenedi, Keriann, Kerra, Kerriann, Kerrianne, Kerrin, Kersten, Kevina, Kimberleigh, Kimberlynn, Kimbley, Kirstan, Klynn, Koree, Korri, Korrin, Kortni, Kortnie, Krystan, Krysti, Krystie, Krystyn, Kurstin, Kyann, Kyleen, Kymberlee, Kymberli, Laren, Lessly, Liann, Lindee, Lindsi, Lindsie, Linsay, Lorren, Lyndsi, Lyndsy, Lynnae, Lynnsey, Lynsie, Lynzi, Lynzie, Maeghan, Malyssa, Marily, Mayan, Maygan, Meagen, Meegan, Megann, Megen, Megyn, Mehgan, Meighan, Mikenna, Nikkie, Nikkole, Raychelle, Raynee, Reann, Rhyann, Rianne, Rielly, Rowynn, Ryane, Shaena, Shailey, Shaney, Shanie, Shanley, Shannell, Sharissa, Sharisse, Shawndra, Shawnette, Shawnie, Shelina, Shyan, Skylin, Taralyn, Tarynn, Tawnee, Taylore, Terin, Tifanie, Tiffanee, Tiffiany, Tiffiney, Tiffney, Timberly, Tiphanie, Abryanna, Allanna, Allisha, Allysha, Amberlie, Amylynn, Analyssa, Ashleyann, Ashleymarie, Ashleynicole, Breanah, Breeanne, Brennah, Breunna, Brittiney, Brittne, Bryttani, Bryttany, Caitlen, Casee, Cathlyn, Caytlin, Celsey, Chantil, Chelise, Courtlyn, Cristyn, Dreanna, Dyna, Genae, Jacklynn, Jacquilyn, Jamiee, Jamielyn, Jamilee, Jaquelynn, Jayni, Jenalee, Jenalyn, Jenin, Jennamarie, Jessicca, Jilliann, Johnnae, Jonee, Jordyne, Jyllian, Kaitlen, Kaitlinn, Kaitlyne, Kaliann, Kalynne, Karrin, Karrina, Karrisa, Katelan, Katelynd, Kathlynn, Katilynn, Katlyne, Katlynne, Katryn, Kayann, Kayti, Kaytie, Keiley, Kelie, Kelleigh, Kellye, Kely, Kendelle, Kerie, Kerryn, Kieley, Kimberely, Kortnee, Korynn, Krisa, Kristell, Kristyl, Kyanne, Kylea, Kymberlie, Leiann, Lindsee, Lindzey, Lorrin, Madysin, Maegen, Makenze, Malley, Marrisa, Maryssa, Mattilynn, Maydelin, Mckaela, Meagon, Meggin, Meghin, Megin, Michaila, Mirissa, Mychelle, Nicci, Nickol, Raeana, Reagen, Reannon, Reet, Reise, Rickelle, Rockelle, Ryana, Ryenn, Sabree, Shanan, Shannin, Shauni, Shavaughn, Shawni, Shaynna, Sheala, Taffany, Taiylor, Tessica, Tiffane, Tiffinie, Tiffiny, Tiphani, Tyffany, Tylea, Vennessa, Alishea, Amand, Britiany, Chelesa, Jessaca, Joelly, Lakea, Shavonn, Staphany, Tiffannie, Alisen, Allesha, Angee, Annalynne, Apryle, Ashey, Ashlley, Bethannie, Brandilynn, Brandyce, Breean, Brettany, Briane, Britainy, Britanee, Britnay, Brittony, Brynnan, Brytney, Caitlinn, Caree, Carely, Cassara, Caytlyn, Chellsea, Chelsye, Cheridan, Chrishelle, Courtnei, Crystalann, Danialle, Danniell, Deamber, Devanee, Devann, Deveney, Erryn, Eryca, Erynne, Gelisa, Haly, Heylin, Hilliary, Jaclin, Jaclynne, Jaimey, Jenaye, Jenesa, Jenniferlynn, Jesicca, Jessice, Jillianna, Jillyn, Jylian, Jyssica, Kaetlin, Kaityln, Kandiss, Karess, Karilynn, Karle, Karynn, Katelee, Kateleen, Kateline, Katianne, Katilin, Kaysea, Kelicia, Kellina, Kerrilyn, Kery, Khristen, Kimberlly, Kimblery, Kimbly, Korynne, Kristalyn, Krystale, Krystn, Kyleigha, Kymberley, Lauralynn, Leslea, Lyann, Lynsay, Lynsee, Mackensey, Makinna, Meaghann, Meggen, Meghen, Megon, Meigan, Meredeth, Meygan, Nelissa, Nicloe, Nikcole, Randilyn, Reagann, Reanne, Ryin, Samanth, Saren, Shaeleigh, Shaiann, Shainna, Shalae, Shalan, Shannelle, Shannia, Shanyn, Shaunee, Shawneen, Shawnelle, Sheray, Shoni, Tifanny, Tiffanni, Tiffanny, Tiffine, Tifini, Toniya, Trachelle, Trinna, Tyerra

Brothers: Sean, Kyle, Brendan, Connor, Justin, Matthew, Brad, Brady, Branden, Brandon, Brenden, Brett, Brian, Bryce, Casey, Cole, Conner, Corey, Cory, Darren, Devin, Erick, Jarrett, Jason, Kerry, Kevin, Kristopher, Matt, Neil, Patrick, Shane, Shaun, Shawn, Aric, Arron, Bradly, Brandan, Bryant, Bryon, Chace, Collin, Davin, Devan, Deven, Donavan, Dustan, Garren, Jarod, Jarred, Kegan, Kellen, Kenny, Keven, Kory, Mitch, Rion, Shon, Tory, Trever, Adyn, Brain, Brendon, Brendyn, Breon, Brien, Brion, Byran, Cameren, Cavin, Cayce, Cj, Darrien, Darryn, Derrek, Derrik, Dusten, Dwane, Jaret, Jasen, Jermey, Justen, Kalin, Kenney, Kervin, Mychael, Ronal, Shan, Stefon, Terron, Torey, Aaren, Alexx, Arick, Aveon, Briant, Camerin, Channon, Chrishawn, Cobe, Collen, Collyn, Correy, Daran, Derren, Derrin, Dillian, Dylin, Edrian, Erek, Jamien, Jeramey, Jerek, Jerid, Jerrin, Jevin, Justan, Keanan, Keean, Keenen, Keevin, Kile, Nickolus, Obrian, Rande, Roney, Seanmichael, Shann, Shaune, Shawne, Shayn, Tyrie, Airon, Alanmichael, Braian, Brandonlee, Bryen, Byrant, Cammeron, Cevin, Chawn, Daaron, Davan, Devonn, Diyan, Dyron, Gerrad, Kayron, Keefe, Keegen, Kevyn, Mylon, Rishard, Seanpatrick, Seanpaul, Seon, Shawan, Shonn, Rhonin, Shanen, Yeiren, Aason, Branndon, Briyan, Cobin, Cotey, Cyree, Darric, Datron, Deryck, Deshannon, Devinn, Eryck, Jasun, Jaysin, Jhordan, Johnathin, Joshus, Justun, Kayren, Kayvan, Keland, Kiven, Korrey, Quinntin, Rilen, Shawnmichael, Shawnn, Teejay, Tyri

Names like Ryan

Names whose popularity has moved with Ryan's over the last 50 years.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

R is for Ryan, our favorite little boy.

R is for Ryan…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Ryan's letter becomes Ryan's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Ryan's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does Ryan mean?
Ryan comes from the Irish surname Ó Riain, "descendant of Rian." The meaning of Rian is uncertain; it is often linked to the Irish rí, "king," and glossed "little king," though scholars consider that unproven.
How popular is Ryan?
Ryan ranked No. 99 in the United States in 2025, given to about 1 in every 484 newborns. It peaked in 1985 and has been slowly declining since, yet it has held a place in the top 100 for decades.
Is Ryan used for girls?
Primarily a boys' name, Ryan sees steady minority use for girls, sometimes spelled Ryann. Actress Ryan Michelle Bathe and Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds's daughter aside, the name remains overwhelmingly male in the United States.
What names go well with Ryan?
Ryan sits naturally beside other Irish-flavored staples: brothers like Sean, Connor, or Brendan, and sisters like Erin, Megan, or Shannon.