The boy's name Ryan \r-yan\, also used as girl's name Ryan, 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 common first name for men and also a very common last name for both men and women.

ORIGIN
Irish

MEANING
Little king

Originated from the surname Riain. Not particularly well-known at the beginning of the 20th century it slowly increased in usage during the 1940s and then quickly gained popularity in 1970 when actor Ryan O'Neal starred in the film "Love Story." Baseball player Ryne Sandberg uses a variation of the name.

VARIATIONS
Rhea Bryan Ryana Ryanne

ALTERNATIVES
Riayn Ryenne Ryen Rhyan Rian Ryann Ryun Ryon Rion Rien Ryanne Rianne Ryane Riane

FAMOUS Ryans
Ryan Cabrera (musician/actor) Ryan Phillippe (actor) Ryan Newman (NASCAR driver) Ryan Gosling (actor) Nolan Ryan (Baseball Hall of Famer) Ryan Seacrest (television host)

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