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
General Labourer 233
Dock Labourer 112
Cotton Weaver 81
Living On Own Means 68
Charwoman 57
General Servant Domestic 57
Domestic Servant 49
Dress Maker 49
Cook Domestic 42
Laundress Wash 42
Scholar 40
Tailor 39
Bricklayer Labourer 34
Laundress 29
Servant Domestic 28
Coal Miner Hewer 28
Housemaid Domestic 26
Tailoress 26
Soldier 4 Royal Irish Regt 24
Labourer 23
Cotton Winder 22
Attending School 21
Labourer General 21
Soldier 20
Private Infantry 19

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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