Ryan - Name Meaning and Origin

The boy's and girl's name Ryan \r-yan\ is pronounced RYE-an. It is of Gaelic origin, and its meaning is "king". Also possibly (Gaelic) "water". Actors Ryan O'Neal, Ryan Philippe; baseball player Ryne Sandberg.

Ryan has 6 variant forms: Rian, Rien, Rion, Ryen, Ryon and Ryun.

Baby names that sound like Ryan are Royan and Roan.

Ryan is a very popular male first name and a very popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy's name Ryan. Click here to compare Ryan with related baby names.