Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Ryann

Ryann is an American modification to the classic Irish masculine name Ryan (which has since become unisex in the United States). By adding that extra “n” to the end of Ryann, the name achieves a new level of femininity. And that was probably the point. Ryan ultimately comes from the Irish clan name O’Riain (descendent of Rían and pronounced “ree-an” in its mother tongue). The name was formed from the Irish-Gaelic elements “Rí” meaning “king” plus the diminutive suffix “-an” and so means “little king”. In the days of ancient and medieval Ireland the name Rían was likely given in order to imply some type of “royal” stature within the chiefdoms or clans. The surname may find one of its roots in a 10th century Irish King Rían of a territory in South Leinster; the clan name was later anglicized to Ryan and the surname is still quite popular in Ireland today (especially in the cities of Carlow, Tipperary and Limerick). The family motto states: “"I would rather die than be disgraced" which is pretty honorable stuff if you ask us. As a forename, Ryan is considered unisex in the United States, but elsewhere in the English speaking world Ryan is regarded as exclusively masculine. Ryan is ultra-popular in the Gaelic-influenced nations of Northern Ireland, Ireland and Scotland where it’s ranked inside the Top 10 most favorite for the little lads. As a boy’s name, it’s also highly ranked in Canada (#13), Australia (#23), the United States (#25), England (#30) and the Netherlands (#41). Remarkably, Ryan is also ranked at position #100 in France. Only the Irish male names Aidan/Aiden and Liam can claim such widespread and consistent popular usage of a name throughout the English-speaking world. Some American parents who like this name for a girl may opt for the Ryann spelling to make it look a little more girly.

All About the Baby Name – Ryann

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME RYANN

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME RYANN

For boys, the little Irish king called Ryan came into U.S. circulation in the 1940s. Later in the mid-1970s, the name was adopted by American parents for their baby girls. At first, usage of the name Ryan for girls was largely influenced by a soap opera series called “Ryan’s Hope” (1975-1989). In the 1977 season of the daytime series a baby girl was named Ryan on the show (in real life, Ryan soared nearly 500 positions on the female charts between 1977 and 1978). By the 1980s American parents were loosening their notions about gender-neutrality when it came to name selection. Especially for baby girls. A lot of parents like unisex sounding names for their daughters, and Ryan is a perfect example of a successful gender-neutral name nationwide. Once Ryan was firmly cemented as a girl’s name in America, the feminized spelling of Ryann joined the party in the late 1990s. It’s not as popular as the traditionally spelled Ryan, but it is another option.

Quick Facts

ON RYANN

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

994

PRONUNCIATION:

RYE-әn

SIMPLE MEANING:

Little king

Characteristics

OF RYANN

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Ryann

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME RYANN

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

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME RYANN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Ryann


Popular Songs

ON RYANN

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


Famous People

NAMED RYANN

Ryann O'Toole (golfer)

Children of Famous People

NAMED RYANN

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME RYANN

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