Ryan (Irish: ''Ó Riain'') is a common

surname In many societies, a surname, family name, or last name is the mostly hereditary portion of one's personal name that indicates one's family. It is typically combined with a given name to form the full name of a person, although several give ...

of Irish origin, as well as being a common

given name A given name (also known as a forename or first name) is the part of a personal name quoted in that identifies a person, potentially with a middle name as well, and differentiates that person from the other members of a group (typically a f ...

in the

English-speaking world The English-speaking world comprises the 88 countries and territories in which English language, English is an official, administrative, or cultural language. In the early 2000s, between one and two billion people spoke English, making it the ...

Origins and meaning

There are several different origins for the surname. In some cases it may be a shortened form of ''O'Ryan'', which is an Anglicized adaptation of the

Gaelic Gaelic (pronounced for Irish Gaelic and for Scots Gaelic) is an adjective that means "pertaining to the Gaels". It may refer to: Languages * Gaelic languages or Goidelic languages, a linguistic group that is one of the two branches of the Insul ...

surname ''Ó Riain'', meaning "descendant of ''Rian''". It can also be a shortened form of ''Mulryan'' or ''O'Mulryan'', which are derived from the Gaelic '' Ó Maoilriain'', meaning "descendant of the follower of ''Rian''". The meaning of the

Old Irish Old Irish, also called Old Gaelic (, Ogham, Ogham script: ᚌᚑᚔᚇᚓᚂᚉ; ; ; or ), is the oldest form of the Goidelic languages, Goidelic/Gaelic language for which there are extensive written texts. It was used from 600 to 900. The ...

name ''Rian'' is unknown. Some sources have suggested that it is related to the Old Irish word ''rían'', meaning "water" or "ocean". Others have suggested that it is related to the Old Irish word ''

rí Rí, or commonly ríg (genitive), is an ancient Gaelic word meaning 'king'. It is used in historical texts referring to the Irish and Scottish kings, and those of similar rank. While the Modern Irish word is exactly the same, in modern Scottis ...

'', meaning "king". Both of these etymologies have been discounted by scholars, however. According to John Ryan, Professor of Early and Medieval History at

University College Dublin University College Dublin (), commonly referred to as UCD, is a public research university in Dublin, Ireland, and a collegiate university, member institution of the National University of Ireland. With 38,417 students, it is Ireland's largest ...

, "What the ''Rian'' in the surnames ''Ó Riain'' and ''Ó Maolriain'' is has never been satisfactorily explained. Rian, like Niall, seems to be so ancient that its meaning was lost before records began." Popular modern sources typically suggest that ''Ryan'' means "little king" or "illustrious". There are also cases in which ''Ryan'' is an Americanized form of the German surname ''Rein''.

List of persons with the surname Ryan

A–D

Abram Joseph Ryan Abram Joseph Ryan (born Matthew Abraham Ryan; February 5, 1838 – April 22, 1886) was an Catholic Church in the United States, American Catholic poet, priest, journalist, orator, and former Congregation of the Mission, Vincentian. Historians disa ...

(1838–1886), Catholic priest, poet * Aileen B. Ryan (1912–1987), New York politician * Allan Ryan, American attorney * Allan A. Ryan, Jr. (1903–1981), New York financier and politician *

Amy Ryan Amy Beth Dziewiontkowski (born May 3, 1968), known professionally as Amy Ryan, is an American actress. She began her professional stage career in 1987 and made her Broadway debut in 1993 as a replacement in the original production of Wendy W ...

(born 1969), American actress * Andrew Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people *

Anne Ryan (artist) Anne Ryan (1889–1954) was an American Abstract Expressionist artist associated with the New York School. Her first contact with the New York City avant-garde came in 1941 when she joined the Atelier 17, a famous printmaking workshop that the ...

(1889–1954), American artist * Anne Ryan (actress) (born 1969), American actress * Archie Ryan (cyclist) (born 2001), Irish professional racing cyclist * B. J. Ryan (Robert Victor Ryan Jr., born 1975), baseball player * Barry Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Beatrice Judd Ryan (c. 1880–1966), Australian-American art dealer, curator * Ben Ryan, rugby union coach * Bernard Ryan (1900–1921), member of the IRA hanged in Dublin in 1921 * Bernard Ryan, Jr. (1923–2020), American author *

Bianca Ryan Bianca Taylor Ryan (born September 1, 1994) is an American musician, singer and songwriter from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ryan was the first winner of NBC's ''America's Got Talent (season 1), America's Got Talent'' at the age of eleven. Singi ...

(born 1994), American singer and America's Got Talent winner * Bill Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Billy Ryan (1887–1951), American football player * Blanchard Ryan (born 1967), American actress *

Bo Ryan William Francis "Bo" Ryan Jr. (born December 20, 1947) is an American former college basketball coach. He was the head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball, Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team of the University of Wisconsin–Mad ...

(William Francis Ryan Jr, born 1947), American basketball coach * Bob Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Bobby Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Brendan Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Bruce Ryan (1921–2002), Australian rugby league footballer * Buddy Ryan (1931–2016), American football coach * Carly Ryan (1992–2007), Australian female murder victim *

Cathy Cahlin Ryan Cathy Cahlin Ryan is an American actress. She played the role of Corrine Mackey on the police drama ''The Shield'' in all seven seasons, and was credited as part of the main cast during seasons 5-7. Early years Ryan is a native of Miami, Florid ...

, American actress * Cheyney Ryan (born 1948), American philosopher * Chris Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people *

Christopher Ryan Christopher Papazoglou (born 25 January 1950), known professionally as Christopher Ryan, is a British actor. He is best known for his roles as Mike The Cool Person in the BBC comedy series '' The Young Ones'', Dave Hedgehog in the BBC comedy se ...

(born 1950), British actor * C. J. Ryan (1943–2004), British priest and scholar of Italian studies *

Claude Ryan Claude Ryan (January 26, 1925 – February 9, 2004) was a Canadian journalist and politician. He was the director of the newspaper ''Le Devoir'' from 1964 to 1978, leader of the Quebec Liberal Party from 1978 to 1982, National Assembly of ...

(1925–2004), Canadian politician * Cormac Ryan (born 1998), American basketball player *

Cornelius Ryan Cornelius Ryan (5 June 1920 – 23 November 1974) was an Irish journalist and author known mainly for writing popular military history. He was especially known for his histories of World War II events: '' The Longest Day: 6 June 1944 D-Day'' (19 ...

(1920–1974), Irish journalist and author * C. W. Ryan (1869–1944), American politician *

Debby Ryan Deborah Ann Ryan (born May 13, 1993) is an American actress and singer-songwriter. She started acting professionally onstage at the age of seven, and was later discovered during Disney Channel's nationwide search for new talent. She had starrin ...

(born 1993), American actress * Derek Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Donald P. Ryan (born 1957), American archaeologist and writer * Donald P. Ryan (Wisconsin politician) (1909–1995), Wisconsin state legislator * Donnell Ryan, Federal Court of Australia judge

E–L

* Edward Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Eileen Ryan (1927–2022), American actress * Felix Ryan (1897–1963), Australian rugby league footballer * Francis T. Ryan (1862–1927), American Medal of Honor recipient * Frank Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people *

Fred Ryan Frederick Joseph Ryan Jr. (born April 12, 1955) is an American media entrepreneur, political analyst, author, and lawyer who served as the publisher and chief executive officer of ''The Washington Post'' from 2014 to 2023. He was the president ...

(born 1955), CEO of ''Politico.com'', former aide to Ronald Reagan * Frederick Ryan (1876–1913), Irish playwright and socialist * George Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people *

Gerry Ryan Gerard Ryan (4 June 1956 – 30 April 2010) was an Irish people, Irish presenter of radio and television employed by Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ). He presented ''The Gerry Ryan Show'' on radio station RTÉ 2fm each weekday morning from 1 ...

(1956–2010), Irish radio presenter * Greg Ryan (born 1957), German-American soccer defender * Gig Ryan (born 1956), Australian poet * Harold M. Ryan (1911–2007), U.S. Representative from Michigan * Ibolya Ryan, Hungarian-American murdered by an Arab in Abu Dhabi *

Ida Annah Ryan Ida Annah Ryan (1873–1950) was a pioneering United States architect known for her work in Massachusetts and Florida. She was the first woman to receive a Master of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the first woman to re ...

(1873–1950), American architect * Ida Mary Barry Ryan (1854–1917), American philanthropist *

Irene Ryan Irene Ryan (born Irene Noblitt, Noblett, or Noblette; October 17, 1902 – April 26, 1973) was an American actress and comedienne who found success in vaudeville, radio, film, television, and Broadway. She is most widely known for her po ...

(1902–1973), actress * Jack Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Jane Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Jeff Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Jenny Ryan (born 1982), English quizzer *

Jeri Ryan Jeri Lynn Ryan (née Zimmermann; born February 22, 1968) is an American actress best known for her role as the former Borg drone Seven of Nine in '' Star Trek: Voyager'' (19972001) and '' Star Trek: Picard'' (20202023) for which she won two Satur ...

(born 1968), U.S. actress * Jim Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Jimmy Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Joan Ryan (politician) (born 1955), UK politician * Joe Ryan (baseball) (born 1996), American baseball player * John Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Jon Ryan (born 1981), Canadian gridiron football player * Joseph Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Josephine Ryan (1884–1977), Irish nationalist *

Kate Ryan Kate Ryan (born Katrien Verbeeck, 22 July 1980) is a Belgian singer and songwriter, and the winner of a World Music Award. She began her singing career in 2001 and later found fame with a string of dance hits. These included covers, mostly of ...

(born 1980), Belgian singer and songwriter * Katherine Ryan (born 1983), Canadian/Irish comedian, writer, presenter and actress * Kathleen Ryan (1922–1985), Irish actress * Kathryn Ryan, New Zealand radio journalist * Kelleigh Ryan (born 1987), Canadian fencer * Kevin Ryan (born 1949), New Zealand long-distance runner * Kyle Ryan (born 1991), American baseball player *

Lacy Ryan Lacy Ryan (c. 1694–1760), English actor, appeared at the Haymarket Theatre about 1709. Life By 1718 he had joined the company at Lincoln's Inn Fields, where he shared the lead with his friend James Quin. He took leading roles in ''Richar ...

, English actor * Lance Ryan (born 1971), Canadian operatic tenor *

Leo Ryan Leo Joseph Ryan Jr. (May 5, 1925 – November 18, 1978) was an American teacher and Democratic Party politician who represented California's 11th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1973 until his assassination ho ...

(1925–1978), Congressman from San Francisco, killed at Jonestown *

Lee Ryan Lee Ryan (born 17 June 1983) is an English singer, songwriter, and voice actor. He is best known as the lead singer of the boy band Blue. Early life Lee Ryan was born in Chatham, Kent. His parents split up when he was six years old. Ryan most ...

(born 1983), English singer-songwriter and actor * Liam Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Liza Ryan (born 1965), American visual artist * Lola Ryan (1925–2003), Australian artist *Lucille Frances Ryan, better known as

Lucy Lawless Lucille Frances Lawless (; born 29 March 1968) is a New Zealand actress and director. She is best known for her roles as Xena in the television series ''Xena: Warrior Princess'', as Number Three (Battlestar Galactica), D'Anna Biers on the re-im ...

(born 1968), actress from New Zealand

M–R

* Michael Robert Ryan, a murderer from the UK *

Marion Ryan Marion Ryan (4 February 1931 – 15 January 1999) was a British singer in the 1950s in the early years of British Independent Television. She was once called "the Marilyn Monroe of popular song". Early life Born in Middlesbrough, North Ridi ...

(1931–1999), British singer * Mark Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Matthew Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people *

Meg Ryan Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra (born November 19, 1961), known by her stage name Meg Ryan, is an American actress. Known for her leading roles as quirky, charismatic women since the late 1980s, Ryan is particularly recognized for her work in ...

(born 1961), U.S. actress * Michael Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Michelle Ryan (born c.1984), British actress * Michelle Ryan, Australian choreographer, artistic director of Restless Dance Company * Michelle K. Ryan (born 1973), Australian psychologist and academic * Miles Ryan (1826–1887), Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross *

Mitchell Ryan Mitchell Ryan (January 11, 1934 – March 4, 2022) was an American actor. His six decades of television credits, he is best known for playing Burke Devlin in the 1960s gothic subculture, gothic soap opera ''Dark Shadows'', and later for his co- ...

(1934–2022), American actor * Murray Ryan (1922–2017), American politician * Myles and Connor Ryan (born 1995), British singers *

Natalie Ryan Natalie Ryan (born 1993 or 1994) is an American professional disc golfer. She went professional with disc golf in 2019. She saw two Elite Series victories in the sport in 2022. Ryan, a transgender woman, was disqualified from the professional wome ...

, American disc golfer *

Nolan Ryan Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr. (born January 31, 1947), nicknamed "the Ryan Express", is an American former professional baseball pitcher and sports executive. Over a record 27-year playing career in Major League Baseball (MLB), Ryan pitched for the New Yo ...

(born 1947), baseball player * Patricia Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Patrick Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people *

Paul Ryan (disambiguation) Paul Ryan (born 1970) is an American politician, elected Speaker of the House in 2015. Paul Ryan may also refer to: Sportspeople * Paul Ryan (biathlete) (born 1970), British Olympic biathlete * Paul Ryan (boxer) (born 1965), English boxer of the ...

, multiple people * Peggy Ryan (1924–2004), American dancer * Perry T. Ryan (born 1962), American author * Peter Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Phil Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Phyllis Ryan (1895–1983), Irish chemist and nationalist * Phyllis Ryan (actress) (1920–2011), Irish actress * Prestin Ryan (born 1980), Canadian ice hockey player * Ray Ryan (hurler) (1981–2025), Irish hurler * Ray Ryan (businessman) (1904–1977), American gambler, oilman, promoter, and developer * Ray Ryan (baseball) (died 1958), minor league baseball player, manager, team owner and league president *

Rex Ryan Rex Ashley Ryan (born December 13, 1962) is an American former football coach and analyst. Ryan was formerly the head coach of the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL), and also held various coaching positions w ...

(born 1962), American football coach; twin brother of Rob * Richard Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Richie Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people *

Rob Ryan Robert Allen Ryan (born December 13, 1962) is an American football coach who is currently an assistant head coach for the USC Trojans. Ryan has served as a defensive coordinator or assistant coach for nine different NFL teams. He was the lineb ...

(born 1962), American football coach; twin brother of Rex * Robert Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Ronald Ryan (1925–1967), (Last person to be legally executed in Australia.) * Ross Ryan (born 1950), Australian singer-songwriter * Roz Ryan (born 1951), American actress * Ryder Ryan (born 1995), American baseball player

S–Z

Séamus Ryan Séamus Ryan (2 December 1893 – 30 June 1933) was a member of the Seanad Éireann from 1931 to 1933 representing the Fianna Fáil party. Early life He was born at the family farm in the townland of Deerpark in the County Tipperary Parish of ...

(1895–1933), Irish senator *

Sheila Ryan Sheila Ryan (born Katherine Elizabeth McLaughlin, June 8, 1921 – November 4, 1975) was an American actress who appeared in more than 60 movies. Career Born in Topeka, Kansas, Ryan went to Hollywood in 1939 at the age of 18. Her acting career b ...

, (1921–1975), American actress *

Shawn Ryan Shawn Ryan (born October 11, 1966) is an American screenwriter and television producer. He has created and/or produced a number of television series including '' The Shield'' (2002–2008), '' The Unit'' (2006–2009), '' Lie to Me'' (2009– ...

(born 1966), American screenwriter and producer * Sod Ryan (1905–1964), American football player * T. Claude Ryan (1898–1982), American aviator and aeronautic engineer * T. J. Ryan (Thomas Joseph Ryan, 1876–1921), Australian politician, premier of Queensland * T. J. Ryan (hurler) (born 1974), Irish hurler * Tomás Ryan (born 1944), Irish hurler * Thomas Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Tim Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Tina Rivers Ryan, American curator, art historian * Tommy Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Tony Ryan (1936–2007), Irish businessman * Tony Ryan (scientist) (born 1962), British polymer chemist * Una Ryan (born 1941), Malaysian born biologist * Walter D'Arcy Ryan (1870–1934), lighting engineer * Warren Ryan (born 1941), Australian rugby league football coach *

Will Ryan William Ryan (May 21, 1949 – November 19, 2021) was an American voice actor, musician and singer. He provided the voice of Petrie in the 1988 animated film '' The Land Before Time''. He was also known for his voice work as Eugene Meltsner in t ...

(1949–2021), American voice actor, singer, and comedian * Willard Ryan (1890–1962), American football coach * William Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Yasmine Ryan (c. 1983 – 2017) New Zealand journalist

Fictional characters

*Aran Ryan, an opponent in Super NES video game '' Super Punch-Out!!'' *Allison Ryan, a character played by

Nicole Eggert Nicole Elizabeth Eggert (born January 13, 1972) is an American actress. Her notable roles include Jamie Powell on the situation comedy ''Charles in Charge'' and Summer Quinn on the television series ''Baywatch''. She guest-starred in ''The Super ...

in the 2008 movie ''Loaded'' *Andrew Ryan, the founder of Rapture and a major character in the 2007 video game ''

BioShock ''BioShock'' is a 2007 first-person shooter video game developed by 2K Boston (later Irrational Games) and 2K Australia, and published by 2K. The first game in the ''BioShock'' series, it was released for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 ...

'' * April Ryan, appearing in the computer adventure games ''

The Longest Journey ''The Longest Journey'' () is a 1999 Adventure game, point-and-click adventure video game, written by Ragnar Tørnquist, developed by Norwegian studio Funcom, and released on Microsoft Windows in November 1999; an iOS version was later develope ...

'' and '' Dreamfall'' *Archie Ryan, the pseudonym of

Lincoln Burrows This is a list of characters in the United States, American television series ''Prison Break''. The characters are listed alphabetically by their last name or by the name which appears in the episode credits. Overview : = Ensemble cast, Main c ...

, a fictional character from the television show ''

Prison Break ''Prison Break'' is an American Crime film#Crime drama, crime Drama (film and television), drama television series created by Paul Scheuring for Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox. The series revolves around two brothers: Lincoln Burrows (Dominic P ...

'' * Barbara Ryan, character in the soap opera ''

As the World Turns ''As the World Turns'' (often abbreviated as ''ATWT'') is an American television soap opera that aired on CBS for 54 years from April 2, 1956, to September 17, 2010. Irna Phillips created ''As the World Turns'' as a sister show to her other so ...

'' *Beth Ryan, a character in the 1987 movie ''

Throw Momma from the Train ''Throw Momma from the Train'' is a 1987 American crime black comedy film starring and directed by Danny DeVito in his theatrical directorial debut. It co-stars Billy Crystal, Anne Ramsey, Rob Reiner, Branford Marsalis, Kim Greist and Kate ...

'' *Bill, Emily, Lulu, and Sandy Ryan, characters from American television sitcom '' United We Fall'' *Burke Ryan, a character in the 2009 American romantic drama movie '' Love Happens'' * Caitlin Ryan, a character in the ''Degrassi'' franchise *Frank Ryan, a character in the 1934 film '' The Man Who Changed His Name'' *Jack Ryan, a separate character and the primary protagonist of the 2007 video game ''

'' * Jack Ryan, in Tom Clancy books and film adaptations * Jake Ryan, character in ''

Sixteen Candles ''Sixteen Candles'' is a 1984 American coming-of-age teen comedy film starring Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling, and Anthony Michael Hall. Written and directed by John Hughes in his directorial debut, it was the first in a string of f ...

''/''

Hannah Montana ''Hannah Montana'' is an American teen sitcom created by Michael Poryes, Rich Correll, and Barry O'Brien that aired on Disney Channel for four seasons between March2006 and January2011. The series centers on Miley Stewart (played by Miley Cy ...

'', TV character portrayed by

Cody Linley Cody Linley is an American actor and singer. He played a recurring role as Jake Ryan in the television series ''Hannah Montana'', and was a contestant on the seventh season of ''Dancing with the Stars'', in which he was partnered with Juliann ...

*James Francis Ryan, character in the 1998 American war film ''

Saving Private Ryan ''Saving Private Ryan'' is a 1998 American epic war film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Robert Rodat. Set in 1944 in Normandy, France, during World War II, it follows a group of soldiers, led by Captain John Miller ( Tom Hanks) ...

'' *Kevin Ryan, secondary character of the TV thriller show ''

Castle A castle is a type of fortification, fortified structure built during the Middle Ages predominantly by the nobility or royalty and by Military order (monastic society), military orders. Scholars usually consider a ''castle'' to be the private ...

'' *Mary Ryan, also known aka Blue Mary, a character in the ''

Fatal Fury ''Fatal Fury'', known as in Japan, is a fighting game series developed by SNK, first released on the Neo Geo system. Gameplay The original ''Fatal Fury'' is known for the two-plane system. Characters fight from two different planes. By step ...

'' series and ''

The King of Fighters ''The King of Fighters'' (''KOF'') is a series of fighting games by SNK that began with the release of ''The King of Fighters '94'' in 1994. The series was initially developed for SNK's Neo Geo (system), Neo Geo MVS arcade hardware and received ...

'' *Mr. Ryan, a character in the 1989 American science fiction comedy movie ''

Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure ''Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure'' is a 1989 American science fiction comedy film directed by Stephen Herek and written by Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon. The first installment of the ''Bill & Ted'' franchise, it stars Keanu Reeves, Alex Win ...

'' *Nory Ryan, main character in book '' Nory Ryan's Song'' by Patricia Reilly Giff *

Paul Ryan Paul Davis Ryan (born January 29, 1970) is an American politician who served as the List of Speakers of the United States House of Representatives, 54th speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019. A member of the ...

, a character on American daytime serial ''

'' *Rachel, Robbie, and Tom Ryan, characters in the 2006 American parody ''

Scary Movie 4 ''Scary Movie 4'' is a 2006 American parody film directed by David Zucker, written by Jim Abrahams, Craig Mazin, and Pat Proft, and produced by Mazin and Robert K. Weiss. It is the sequel to '' Scary Movie 3'' and the fourth installment in the ...

'' * Richie Ryan, fictional character in '' Highlander: The Series'' * Robert Charles "Rusty" Ryan in ''Ocean's 11'', ''12'', and ''13'' *Professor Sam Ryan, character in the television series ''

Silent Witness ''Silent Witness'' is a British crime drama television series produced by the BBC that focuses on a team of forensic pathology experts and their investigations into various crimes. The series was created by Nigel McCrery, a former murder squa ...

'' *Tommy Ryan, a character in the 1997 film ''

Titanic RMS ''Titanic'' was a British ocean liner that sank in the early hours of 15 April 1912 as a result of striking an iceberg on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City, United States. Of the estimated 2,224 passengers a ...

References

Bibliography

External links

"Uí Dróna Kingdom"
by Niall C. E. J. O'Brien, April 27, 2015, ''Medieval News'' {{surname, Ryan Anglicised Irish-language surnames English-language surnames Surnames of Irish origin es:Ryan fr:Ryan ja:ライアン