Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • proper noun A surname common in Ireland.
  • proper noun A male given name derived from the surname, popular in all English-speaking countries from the 1970s to the 1990s.
  • proper noun A female given name in quiet use since the 1970s, from the surname, or a variant of Rhian. Spelling variant: Ryann.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From Irish Ó Riain, probably a derivative of rí "King" , thus the name means, Little King.

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word Ryan.

Examples

  • RYAN MACK, OPTIMUM CAPITAL MANAGEMENT: And we're getting far too many calls from individuals who are saying, Ryan, I've lost half the value of my 401 (k) and I should be retired right now.

    CNN Transcript Mar 3, 2009 2009

  • RYAN MACK, PRESIDENT, OPTIMUM CAPITAL MANAGEMENT: We're getting too many calls from individuals who are saying, Ryan, I have lost half the value of my 401 (k), and I should be retired right now.

    CNN Transcript Mar 3, 2009 2009

  • MATT RYAN (Atlanta Falcons) – The third selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, Ryan passed for 3,440 yards, completing 265 of 434 passes for 16 touchdowns while posting an 87.7 passer rating.

    NFL: Vote Now For Rookie Of The Year! Oldhead1 2009

  • PAUL LEWIS, FATHER OF RYAN LEWIS: He told us that the night before Ryan died he had slashed his arm four times with a pocket knife, issued to him by the program.

    CNN Transcript Oct 10, 2007 2007

  • PAUL LEWIS, FATHER OF RYAN LEWIS: He told us that the night before Ryan died, he had slashed his arm four times with a pocket knife issued to him by the program.

    CNN Transcript Oct 10, 2007 2007

  • Erin Ryan is a freelance copy editor and writer who lives in Maine, United States.

    FARK THOSE TAKKLOVING ALIENS • by Erin Ryan 2009

  • World-wide backlash eZee. se admin Ryan is on the spot and confirms the Swedish citizenry is very far from heralding the decision as anything positive.

    The Pirate Bay: Pyrrhic victory 2009

  • My poor cousin Ryan is going to be stuck waiting on me at the airport, but he's at his sister's place and she's not that far away, and even though I'll probably be in around 1 or 2 in the morning, at least he doesn't have far to drive, so that's something.

    Voice Post: one_undone 2006

  • -- C Erik Cook -- He has the bloodlines (older brother Ryan is a lineman with the Minnesota Vikings) and he played in the Texas vs. the Nation Challenge in the offseason.

    NEW Mexico - Team Notes 2010

  • The story of "Lady Julia Ryan" is particularly intriguing to me because Julia Ryan was the name of my maternal grandmother and great-grandmother, both of Caplin Bay. back

    Gutenber-e Help Page 2005

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.