Ryan surname: meaning and origin
Ryan means descendant of Maoilriain (a follower of Riain); the meaning of Riain itself is uncertain. It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Tipperary and Limerick.
| Irish form | Ó Maoilriain / Ó Riain |
|---|---|
| Meaning | descendant of Maoilriain (a follower of Riain); the meaning of Riain itself is uncertain |
| Home region | Tipperary and Limerick (Munster) |
| Origin | Gaelic |
| Variants | O'Ryan, Mulryan |
History of the Ryan name
The main Ryan families came from the area around Owney in Limerick and Tipperary. The first name Ryan is a modern use of the surname.
The first name behind Ryan
This surname comes from an old given name. Read about it: Ryan.
More surnames from Munster
- Barryde Barra · from Barry
- O'BrienÓ Briain · descendant of Brian
- CahillÓ Cathail · descendant of Cathal
- O'CallaghanÓ Ceallacháin · descendant of Ceallachán
- McCarthyMac Cárthaigh · son of Cárthach
- CaseyÓ Cathasaigh · descendant of Cathasach
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Ryan mean?
Ryan (Irish: Ó Maoilriain or Ó Riain) means descendant of Maoilriain (a follower of Riain); the meaning of Riain itself is uncertain.
What is the Irish spelling of Ryan?
The Irish-language form of Ryan is Ó Maoilriain or Ó Riain.
Where is the surname Ryan from?
Ryan is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Tipperary and Limerick in Munster.
What are other spellings of Ryan?
Related spellings and forms include O'Ryan, Mulryan.