Ryan

boyIrish

Ryan is an boy name of Irish origin, meaning “Little king (debated)”.

MeaningLittle king (debated)
GenderBoy
OriginIrish
PronunciationRY-un
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom, Ireland, India

Meaning and origin of Ryan

Ryan comes from the Irish surname Ó Riain, 'descendant of Rian'. The meaning of Rian is uncertain; it is often linked to the Old Irish ri, 'king', giving the popular 'little king', but this is not firmly established. Ryan became a hugely popular first name in the United States and Britain from the 1970s onward, and it is also very common among Indian and Pakistani families today.

Is Ryan a religious name?

Ryan is a secular name of Irish origin without religious meaning.

How popular is Ryan?

A widely used name in the English-speaking world, though past its peak.

Gifts with the name Ryan

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Spellings and variants of Ryan

RianRyannRayan

Names similar to Ryan

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Ryan mean?

Ryan means 'Little king (debated)'. It is of Irish origin.

Does Ryan have a religious meaning?

Ryan is a secular name of Irish origin without religious meaning.

How do you pronounce Ryan?

Ryan is pronounced RY-un.

Is Ryan a boy or girl name?

Ryan is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.