Ryan Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Ryan Name Meaning: Derives from the Gaelic word 'righ', meaning 'little king'. May have also derived from the Irish word'rian' meaning 'water'.

A popular surname in Ireland, thought to have derived from the forename 'Maolriain'.

Discover how your Ryan ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Ryan Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Ryan family

Profession Census Frequency
Scholar 749
Labourer 243
Servant 68
Tailor 67
House Servant 66
Agricultural Labourer 62
Laundress 54
Dress Maker 53
Shoe Maker 46
General Servant 43
Dock Labourer 41
House Keeper 40
Hawker 39
Cotton Weaver 35
Private 32
Charwoman 24
Laborer 18
Private Soldier 18
Domestic Servant 17
Worsted Spinner 17
House Maid 16
Cotton Spinner 16
Coal Miner 16
Porter 16
Cotton Piecer 15

Ryan Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Ryan 100% 57,032
2 Rayne 40% 2,616
3 Ryne 50% 704
4 Ryon 75% 603
5 Royan 80% 562
6 Rayan 80% 275
7 Reyan 80% 191
8 Royne 40% 183
9 Ryen 75% 174
10 Reyne 40% 114

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The surname Ryan is the most popular version of all its varients

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