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 Ó Maoilriain (anglicised as Ryan, Mulryan, or Mulrain) is an Irish Gaelic clan based in what is today County Tipperary and County Limerick. The clan claims descent from Cathair Mór of the Laighin, but they first appear in the historical recor ...

'', 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. Allan Aloysius Ryan (July 4, 1903 – October 13, 1981) was an American financier and politician from New York. Life He was born on July 4, 1903, in Manhattan, New York City, the son of Allan Aloysius Ryan (1880–1940) and Sarah (Tack) Ryan (1 ...

(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) Anne Ryan (born 1969), also known as Annie Ryan, is an American film, television and theatre actress as well as a theatre director. She is based in Dublin, Ireland. Ryan is known for such films and television series as ''Three O'Clock High'', ...

(born 1969), American actress *

Archie Ryan (cyclist) Archie Ryan (born 16 November 2001) is an Irish professional racing cyclist, who currently rides for UCI WorldTeam . Major results ;2018 : 3rd Overall Junior Tour of Wales ::1st Stage 4 ;2019 : National Junior Road Championships ::2nd Road race ...

(born 2001), Irish professional racing cyclist * B. J. Ryan (Robert Victor Ryan Jr., born 1975), baseball player *

Barry Ryan (disambiguation) Barry Ryan may refer to: * Barry Ryan (Catholic priest) (born 1948) * Barry Ryan (footballer) (born 1978), Irish footballer *Barry Ryan (singer) Barry Ryan (born Barry Sapherson; 24 October 1948 – 28 September 2021), also known as Barry Dav ...

, 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. Bernard Ryan (December 2, 1923 - January 3, 2020) was an American writer. His works include ''The Poodle at the Poodle'' and ''Tyler's Titanic''. His biography of Senator Hillary Clinton was a ''New York Times'' notable book for young adults in 20 ...

(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) Bill Ryan may refer to: * Bill Ryan (journalist) (1926–1997), American broadcast journalist * Bill Ryan (footballer, born 1944), former Australian rules footballer * Bill Ryan (footballer, born 1914) (1914–1966), Australian rules footballer * ...

, multiple people *

Billy Ryan William Richard Ryan Jr. (April 21, 1887 – December 20, 1951) was an American football player from Cleveland, Ohio, and a starting quarterback for the University of Notre Dame. Ryan began his career as the starting quarterback, placekicker an ...

(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 James David "Buddy" Ryan (February 17, 1931 – June 28, 2016) was an American football coach in the National Football League (NFL) and American Football League (AFL). During his 35-season coaching career, Ryan served as the head coach of the ...

(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) Christopher Ryan is an English actor. Christopher or Chris Ryan may also refer to: *Chris Ryan (born 1961), British soldier and novelist * Chris Ryan (rugby league) (born 1973), Australian rugby league footballer * Chris Ryan (Australian rules foo ...

, 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 Cormac Joseph Ryan (born October 26, 1998) is an American professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Stanford Cardinal men's basketball, Stanford Cardinal, Notre Dame Fightin ...

(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 Cicero Wallace Ryan (1869 – May 2, 1944) was an American politician in the state of Washington. He served in the Washington House of Representatives The Washington House of Representatives is the lower house of the Washington State Legisl ...

(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 Donald P. Ryan (born 1957) is an American archaeologist, Egyptologist, writer and a member of the Division of Humanities at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington. His areas of research interest include Egyptian archaeology, Polynesian ...

(born 1957), American archaeologist and writer * Donald P. Ryan (Wisconsin politician) (1909–1995), Wisconsin state legislator *

Donnell Ryan Donnell Michael Ryan (3 June 1941 – 26 August 2023) was an Australian barrister, solicitor and judge of the Federal Court of Australia. He served on the Federal Court of Australia from 29 September 1986 until 2 June 2011 and was a member of ...

, Federal Court of Australia judge

E–L

* Edward Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people *

Eileen Ryan Eileen Ryan (; October 16, 1927 – October 9, 2022) was an American actress. The wife of actor and director Leo Penn, she was the mother of actors Sean Penn and Chris Penn, and of singer Michael Penn. Life and career Ryan was born in the Br ...

(1927–2022), American actress *

Felix Ryan Felix Thomas Ryan (1890–1963) was an Australian rugby league footballer who played in the 1910s and 1920s. He played for Newtown and represented New South Wales and Australia. He has been named as one of the greatest players in the history o ...

(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 Frederick Ryan (1876 – April 1913), was an Irish, Dublin-born playwright, journalist and socialist. Career Ryan became secretary of the Irish National Theatre Society in 1902. There he would create realistic satire with the play ''The La ...

(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 Mark Gregory Ryan (born January 21, 1957) is an American former professional soccer player who played as a defender in the North American Soccer League and Major Indoor Soccer League. He was the head coach of the United States women's national ...

(born 1957), German-American soccer defender *

Gig Ryan Gig Ryan, born Elizabeth Anne Martina Ryan November 5, 1956, is an Australian poet. She is a recipient of the Christopher Brennan Award. Biography Ryan was born in Leicester, England in 1956. Her father was Australian surgeon Peter John 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) Jack Ryan may refer to: People Sports Australian rules football *Jack Ryan (footballer, born 1873) (1873–1931), Australian rules footballer for St Kilda * Jack Ryan (footballer, born 1907) (1907–1959), Australian rules footballer for Hawth ...

, multiple people * Jane Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people *

Jeff Ryan (disambiguation) Jeff or Jeffrey Ryan may refer to: *Jeff Ryan (ATF agent) (1972–2011), died in the Stevenson Ranch, California, shootout *Jeff Ryan (baseball), on the 1998 College Baseball All-America Team *Jeff Ryan (curler), Canadian curler *Jeff Ryan (pole va ...

, multiple people *

Jenny Ryan Jenny Alexis Ryan (born 2 April 1982) is an English quizzer, singer and television personality, best known as one of the six chasers on the ITV game show '' The Chase'', where she is nicknamed "The Vixen". Career Ryan's first quiz show appe ...

(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) Jim Ryan may refer to: Sports *Jim Ryan (linebacker) (born 1957), American football player *Jim Ryan (American football coach) (born 1975), American football coach *Jim Ryan (Australian footballer) (1918–2006), Australian rules footballer *Jim Ry ...

, multiple people *

Jimmy Ryan (disambiguation) Jimmy Ryan may refer to: Sports * Jimmy Ryan (baseball) (1863–1923), American baseball player * Jimmy Ryan (Australian footballer) (1879–1954), for Collingwood * Jimmy Ryan (footballer, born 1945), English football player * Jimmy Ryan (football ...

, multiple people * Joan Ryan (politician) (born 1955), UK politician *

Joe Ryan (baseball) Joseph Philip Ryan (born June 5, 1996) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB draft and made his MLB debut wi ...

(born 1996), American baseball player *

John Ryan (disambiguation) John or Johnny Ryan may refer to: Business *John Ryan (businessman) (born 1950), pioneer of cosmetic surgery and chairman of Doncaster Rovers *John D. Ryan (industrialist) (1864–1933), American copper mining magnate *John Ryan (printer) (1761� ...

, multiple people *

Jon Ryan Jonathan Robert Ryan (born November 26, 1981) is a Canadian former professional football player who was a punter in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and National Football League (NFL). He played university football for the Regina Rams, an ...

(born 1981), Canadian gridiron football player *

Joseph Ryan (disambiguation) Joseph, Joe or Joey Ryan may refer to: Sportspeople * Joseph Ryan (rower) (fl. 1904), American Olympic rower * Joe Ryan (footballer) (1917–1986), Australian rules footballer * Joe Ryan (baseball) (born 1996), baseball player * Joey Ryan (wrestle ...

, 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 Katherine Louisa Ryan (born June 1983) is a Canadian comedian, writer, presenter, actress and singer. She has appeared on British TV and radio panel shows, including ''8 Out of 10 Cats'', ''Never Mind the Buzzcocks'', ''A League of Their Own'', ...

(born 1983), Canadian/Irish comedian, writer, presenter and actress *

Kathleen Ryan Kathleen Ryan (8 September 1922 – 11 December 1985) was an Irish actress. She was born in Dublin, Ireland of Tipperary parentage and appeared in British and Hollywood films between 1947 and 1957. In 2020, she was listed as number 40 on ''Th ...

(1922–1985), Irish actress *

Kathryn Ryan Kathryn Ryan is a New Zealand radio journalist. Ryan initially trained as a teacher, completing a BA in education and history. She then worked managing a sports centre, and retrained as a journalist in her late 20s. She began her journalism car ...

, 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 Lance Ryan (born 1 May 1971) is a Canadian operatic tenor, who has worked from Germany since 2005. He is known for singing Siegfried in Wagner's ''Der Ring des Nibelungen'', which he performed at opera houses in Europe including the Bayreuth Festi ...

(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) Matthew Ryan may refer to: Arts and entertainment * Matthew Ryan (musician) (born 1971), American musician * Matthew Ryan (writer), Australian playwright, theatre director and screenwriter * Matt Ryan (actor) (born 1981), Welsh actor * Matt Ryan ...

, 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) Michael or Mike Ryan may refer to: Arts and entertainment * Michael M. Ryan (1929–2017), American actor best known for his role as John Randolph on ''Another World'' * Rocky Ryan or Michael Ryan (1937–2004), British media hoaxer * Michael ...

, multiple people *

Michelle Ryan Michelle Claire Ryan (born 22 April 1984) is an English actress, best known for portraying the role of Zoe Slater in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' (2000–2005, 2025–present). In 2007, she starred in the short-lived American television s ...

(born c.1984), British actress *

, Australian choreographer, artistic director of Restless Dance Company * Michelle K. Ryan (born 1973), Australian psychologist and academic *

Miles Ryan Miles Ryan VC (c. 1826 – January 1887) was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Ryan was about 31 ye ...

(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 William "Murray" Ryan (July 22, 1922 – January 7, 2017) was an American politician who was a Republican member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from 1969 to 1999. Early life and education He attended Western High School. He attended ...

(1922–2017), American politician *

Myles and Connor Myles Antony Ryan and Connor Jerrade Ryan (born 19 October 1995) are a British musical duo and television presenters from Manchester, England who are best known for appearing on the fourth series of ITV's show Britain's Got Talent as part of th ...

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) Patrick or Paddy Ryan may refer to: Arts and entertainment *Patrick Earl Ryan, American author *Patrick Ryan (English author) (1916–1989), English novelist *Patrick Ryan (American author) (born 1965), American novelist and editor Law and politic ...

, 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 Margaret O'Rene Ryan (August 28, 1924 – October 30, 2004) was an American dancer and actress, best known for starring in a series of movie musicals at Universal Pictures with Donald O'Connor and Gloria Jean. Career Ryan joined her pare ...

(1924–2004), American dancer * Perry T. Ryan (born 1962), American author * Peter Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people * Phil Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people *

Phyllis Ryan Philomena Frances Ryan (28 February 1895 – 19 November 1983) was an Irish chemist and nationalist and the second wife of President of Ireland, Seán T. O'Kelly. Early life and family Philomena Frances Ryan was born on 28 February 1895 to Joh ...

(1895–1983), Irish chemist and nationalist * Phyllis Ryan (actress) (1920–2011), Irish actress * Prestin Ryan (born 1980), Canadian ice hockey player *

Ray Ryan (hurler) Raymond Ryan (18 November 1981 – 25 February 2025) was an Irish hurler. At club level, he played with Sarsfields and at inter-county level with the Cork senior hurling team. Ryan captained the squad called up by Gerald McCarthy to replace t ...

(1981–2025), Irish hurler *

Ray Ryan (businessman) Raymond John Ryan (January 9, 1904 in Watertown, Wisconsin, Watertown, Wisconsin – October 18, 1977) was an American professional gambling, gambler, oilman, Promoter (entertainment), promoter, and Real estate development, developer. Described as ...

(1904–1977), American gambler, oilman, promoter, and developer *

Ray Ryan (baseball) Ryan Ryan (died 1958) was an important minor league baseball figure. At that level, he played, managed, served as a team owner and league president, and worked in multiple team front offices. At the major league level, he scouted for the Cleveland I ...

(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) Richard Ryan may refer to: * Richard Ryan (biographer) Richard Ryan (18 April 1797 – 20 October 1849) was a British writer of Irish descent. He was the son of Oxford Street, London bookseller and publisher Richard Ryan and was educated at St ...

, 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 Ronald Joseph Ryan (21 February 1925 – 3 February 1967) was the last person to be legally executed in Australia. Ryan was found guilty of shooting and killing warder George Hodson during an escape from Pentridge Prison, Victoria, in 1965. R ...

(1925–1967), (Last person to be legally executed in Australia.) *

Ross Ryan Ross Edwin Ryan (born 13 December 1950) is an American-born Australian singer-songwriter and producer. His signature tune, " I Am Pegasus", was released in September 1973, which peaked at No. 2 on the Australian Singles. Its parent album, ' ...

(born 1950), Australian singer-songwriter *

Roz Ryan Roz Ryan (born Rosalyn Bowen) is an American actress, singer and comedian who has worked for productions in film, television, and Broadway theatre for over 40 years. Ryan's first role on Broadway was in '' Ain't Misbehavin, a Fats Waller-influ ...

(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) T. J. Ryan (born 12 November 1974) is an Irish hurling selector and player. He is a former manager of the Limerick senior hurling team. Born in Garryspillane, County Limerick, Ryan first arrived on the inter-county scene when he first linked ...

(born 1974), Irish hurler *

Tomás Ryan Thomas F. Ryan (born 1944), better known as Tomás Ryan, is an Irish retired hurler and politician. At club level he played with Inniscarra and divisional side Muskerry and was also a member of the Cork senior hurling team. Ryan also spent 30 y ...

(born 1944), Irish hurler * Thomas Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people *

Tim Ryan (disambiguation) Tim, Timmy, or Timothy Ryan may refer to: Political figures *Tim Ryan (Florida politician) (born 1956), American Democratic Party legislator and county commissioner *Tim Ryan (Ohio politician) (born 1973), American Democratic Party legislator and 2 ...

, multiple people *

Tina Rivers Ryan Tina Rivers Ryan is an American curator, researcher, author, editor, and art historian. Her expertise is in new media art, which includes digital art, and internet art. She was a curator at the Albright–Knox Art Gallery, now Buffalo AKG Art Muse ...

, American curator, art historian * Tommy Ryan (disambiguation), multiple people *

Tony Ryan Thomas Anthony Ryan (2 February 1936 – 3 October 2007) was an Irish billionaire businessman and philanthropist who co-founded Ryanair in 1984 along with cofounders Christopher Ryan and Liam Lonergan (owner of Irish travel agent Club Travel), ...

(1936–2007), Irish businessman *

Tony Ryan (scientist) Anthony John Ryan (born 1962) is an English polymer chemist and sustainability leader at the University of Sheffield. He was Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the university's Faculty of Science from 2008 until 2016, and is currently Director of the Grant ...

(born 1962), British polymer chemist *

Una Ryan Una Ryan (born December 18, 1941) is a British-American biologist who has conducted research on vascular biology, publishing over 300 papers. After an extended research and academic career she began a career in the biotech industry. She was Dire ...

(born 1941), Malaysian born biologist * Walter D'Arcy Ryan (1870–1934), lighting engineer *

Warren Ryan Warren Redman Ryan (born 27 October 1941) is an Australian former professional rugby league football coach and player. He is considered one of the most influential rugby league coaches of the 20th century. Ryan also played in the NSWRFL Premie ...

(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 Willard J. Ryan (May 8, 1890 – February 7, 1962) was an American teacher and football coach who served as the first head coach of the Green Bay Packers. Historically, Curly Lambeau has been credited as being the Packers' first head coach, alth ...

(1890–1962), American football coach *

William Ryan (disambiguation) William or Will Ryan may refer to: Arts and entertainment *William Patrick Ryan (1867–1942), Irish poet, novelist, and journalist *William F. J. Ryan (1903–1981), American designer *Will Ryan (William F. Ryan, 1949–2021), American voice actor ...

, multiple people *

Yasmine Ryan Yasmine Ryan (ca. 1983 – 30 November 2017) was a print, television and multimedia journalist from New Zealand. She was involved in covering the Arab Spring for ''Al Jazeera English''. Ryan also created documentaries. Biography Yasmine Ryan was ...

(c. 1983 – 2017) New Zealand journalist

Fictional characters

*Aran Ryan, an opponent in Super NES video game ''

Super Punch-Out!! is a boxing video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It was released on October 24, 1994 in North America and again in the same region in 1996. It was released in the United Kingdom on ...

'' *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 April Danielle Ryan (born September 5, 1967) is an American reporter, author, and White House Correspondent for The Grio. In 2023, Ryan joined MSNBC as a political contributor. Formerly, from January 1997 to 2020 Ryan served as a White House ...

, 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 ''Dreamfall: The Longest Journey'' () is an adventure video game developed by Funcom for Microsoft Windows and Xbox platforms in April 2006. In 2007, a sequel entitled '' Dreamfall Chapters'' was announced, and Funcom reportedly considered the id ...

'' *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 Barbara Ryan is a fictional character from the American CBS soap opera ''As the World Turns''. In the early 1970s, Barbara was played by a succession of actresses, but the actress most associated with the role is Colleen Zenk, who played her s ...

, 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 ''Nory Ryan's Song'' is a novel written by Patricia Reilly Giff, first published in 2000. Plot The book is about a 12-year-old girl named Nory Ryan who lives through the Great Famine in Ireland in 1845. When her own beloved sister, Maggie lea ...

'' 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

Origins and meaning

List of persons with the surname Ryan

A–D

E–L

M–R

S–Z

Fictional characters

See also

References

Bibliography

External links