Ryan

From “descendant of Rian”; “little king” is a traditional but uncertain interpretation.

Ryan comes from an Irish surname, with a route through Ó Riain, “descendant of Rian”. The meaning of Rian itself is uncertain. “Little king” is a traditional interpretation linked to Irish rí, “king”, rather than an established literal translation. As a given name, Ryan is traditionally masculine but is also used for girls. The English pronunciation /ˈɹaɪ.ən/, roughly RYE-un, gives the first syllable room to open before a softer ending. With four letters and no sharp consonant cluster, Ryan can feel direct, friendly and easygoing. Its surname background may matter to a family with Irish connections, while its sound has a relaxed quality rather than the ceremony suggested by a royal gloss.

Etymology: An Irish surname used as an English-language given name, through Ó Riain, “descendant of Rian”; the older personal name’s meaning is uncertain.