Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Ronin

Rōnin (浪) is a Japanese word which refers to a master-less samurai dating back to the feudal society of Japan (12th to 19th centuries). A samurai in Japan’s feudal structure would be somewhat equivalent to the “knights” of medieval Europe – in other words, they were honorable military men who, at the service of the nobility, held higher positions in the class ranks of feudal societies. In Japan, a rōnin referred to samurai without a master or overlord due to either death of the master or because, for some reason, he lost his privileges or position with his master (or perhaps the samurai simply went rogue). The term rōnin translates to “wave man” in reference to the samurai’s state of floating or drifting in society without master and home. By the way, we should mention, the term “rōnin” was not exactly an honorable one for the holder – it was generally considered one of shame since a masterless samurai was expected to perform a ritualistic suicide rather than choose life without his feudal lord. During the 200+ years of Japan’s Edo Period (1603-1868), rōnins became a lot more commonplace due to the overly strict and prohibitive class rules placed on samurais. Remember James Clavell’s 1975 novel “Shōgun”? With more rōnins in a more restrictive society, they eventually developed an even more disgracefully dangerous reputation as their engagement in gang-style criminal activity increased. In some ways it’s hard to blame them. Rōnins were basically society-rejects with no other choice but to create their own identities and destinies. They basically had to roll with the “waves”.

All About the Baby Name – Ronin

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME RONIN

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME RONIN

Ronin is a pretty new name coinage in America. We think it may have been a clever creation among enthusiastic video-gamers (Way of the Samurai). Ronin is still a rarely used name, and we’d venture to guess that the average American is unaware of his Japanese roots. We would definitely have to give this one high marks for originality and interest. We secretly like the rebellious nature of this name and find the “wave man” etymology uniquely cool. It should be noted, however, that while the two names sound near identical, Ronan is actually an Irish-Gaelic (Celtic) name that means “little seal”. We do have a water theme going on with the two names, but they definitely come from two entirely different places. You should be aware of that difference when you decide if you like Ronan with an “a” or Ronin with an “i”.

Quick Facts

ON RONIN

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

773

PRONUNCIATION:

ROWN-in

SIMPLE MEANING:

Wave man

Characteristics

OF RONIN

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Ronin

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME RONIN

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Ronin

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME RONIN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Ronin


Popular Songs

ON RONIN

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Ronin


Famous People

NAMED RONIN

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Ronin.

Children of Famous People

NAMED RONIN

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Ronin

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME RONIN

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Ronin