Declining since 2011, #416 for boys today.
Popularity of Rylan since 1968
Babies named Rylan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 0 | 6 |
| 1970s | 0 | 118 |
| 1980s | 0 | 414 |
| 1990s | 119 | 1,327 |
| 2000s | 1,514 | 10,251 |
| 2010s | 3,487 | 17,076 |
| 2020s | 1,508 | 5,340 |
Meaning & origin
Rylan is a modern American name that emerged in the late 1960s, first recorded in 1968. It experienced a notable rise in popularity, peaking at rank 416 in 2011, but has since declined. As of 2025, it ranks 416th, with about 1 in 2,215 newborn boys receiving the name. The name has been particularly favored in Mississippi, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Rylan’s construction mirrors the trend of blending familiar sounds from popular names like Ryan and Dylan, making it a stylish choice for parents seeking a contemporary yet approachable name. While its exact etymology is debated, its modern roots and smooth sound have contributed to its appeal.
Rylan is a modern coinage, likely formed by blending Ryan (Irish origin, meaning 'little king') and Dylan (Welsh origin, meaning 'son of the sea' or 'born from the ocean'). Alternatively, it may be a variant of the English surname Ryland, derived from Old English 'ryge' (rye) and 'land', referring to a place where rye is cultivated. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1968 and gained popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, especially in the Southern United States.
Where Rylan 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.
“Rylan” around the world
Where Rylan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
New Zealand
17
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ry, Rye, Lan
Sibling names for Rylan
Names that share Rylan's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kylie, Mackenzie, Avery, Harper, Peyton, Kallie, Ryann, Darlyn, Kaelin, Rilyn, Caylan, Danee, Dayleen, Deaira, Jalene, Karrah, Layni, Raegen, Raelin, Raeven, Shyloh, Shylynn, Shyra, Talena, Zyria, Akera, Bailea, Braelee, Eniya, Laiken, Laranda, Mylin, Raley, Raylea, Reise, Retal, Rhyen, Saryn, Tahja, Ziyanna, Annalei, Brynlyn, Charnay, Charne, Denai, Jerni, Karysa, Kearie, Landi, Leyani, Maclyn, Milian, Raseel, Reniah, Royelle, Ryin, Ryka, Tagan, Tallyn, Tarae, Traeh
Brothers: Brycen, Jayden, Cayden, Ayden, Aiden, Braylon, Colsen, Rion, Dalyn, Taylon, Yerik, Aadyn, Aceson, Asahd, Caedyn, Dagen, Esvin, Kaige, Kamaree, Klinton, Kvon, Kyser, Mahki, Mikai, Montae, Rayon, Tajh, Talin, Tallen, Tylon, Blayde, Breland, Brylon, Byrant, Cadon, Camdin, Cayle, Chamar, Deejay, Diezel, Jakel, Kailon, Kairen, Kairyn, Kewan, Khalan, Khiree, Krosby, Mylen, Rakai, Randen, Rylon, Tavyn, Travelle, Trystyn, Virlan, Xyleek, Iktan, Jaishon, Nakhi, Rhonin, Cashten, Daryon, Demere, Dylyn, Dymir, Gerell, Icker, Jaevian, Kaion, Keddrick, Khyaire, Kiano, Kiree, Moxley, Mylik, Quamel, Reace, Savage, Tadan, Taevin, Tarez, Treylen, Tylek, Tyrann, Zandyr
Names like Rylan
Names whose popularity has moved with Rylan's over the last 50 years.
