Ryan
BoyIrish (Gaelic)
Ryan is a boy name of Irish (Gaelic) origin meaning "little king".
About this name
Gender
Boy
Language
Irish (Gaelic)
Religion
None
Popularity
42 / 100
Syllables
1
Length
4 letters
Meaning
little king
Etymology
Derived from the Old Irish word 'rí' meaning 'king' with the diminutive suffix '-án', originally a surname Ó Riain meaning 'descendant of Rian'.
Famous People Named Ryan
- Ryan Gosling — Canadian actor and musician (born 1980)
- Ryan Reynolds — Canadian-American actor and entrepreneur (born 1976)
- Ryan O'Neal — American actor (1941–2023)
- Ryan Phillippe — American actor
- Ryan Tedder — American singer, songwriter and record producer (born 1979)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ryan
What does the name Ryan mean?
Ryan means "little king", and is of Irish (Gaelic) origin.
What is the origin of the name Ryan?
Ryan originates from Irish (Gaelic), commonly used in Europe.
Is Ryan a boy or girl name?
Ryan is typically used as a boy name.
What religion is the name Ryan associated with?
Ryan is associated with None.
Are there famous people named Ryan?
Yes — notable people named Ryan include Ryan Gosling (Canadian actor and musician, born 1980), Ryan Reynolds (Canadian-American actor and entrepreneur, born 1976), Ryan O'Neal (American actor, 1941–2023), Ryan Phillippe (American actor) and Ryan Tedder (American singer, born 1979).
Last updated: June 2026