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 1,100
General Labourer 221
Labourer 128
Coal Miner 73
Domestic Servant 70
Dock Labourer 68
Cotton Weaver 64
Tailor 56
Laundress 56
Dress Maker 55
Living On Own Means 47
Tailoress 47
Hawker 41
Charwoman 36
General Servant 34
General Servant Domestic 33
Shoe Maker 29
Living On Her Own Means 28
Char Woman 25
Carter 24
Errand Boy 22
General Domestic Servant 20
Agricultural Labourer 20
Clerk 20
House Keeper 20

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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