Ronan
Meaning: Little seal — steeped in Celtic myth and mystique
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Gender: Boy
Rank in Ireland: #46
Total births: 10,231
History: Ronan derives from the Irish 'ron' meaning seal, connecting it to the selkie legends of Ireland's western coast. St Ronan was an early Irish saint, and Ronan Keating from Dublin brought the name to global pop fame with Boyzone, serenading from Sligo to Sydney.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Ireland’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #86 |
| Babies named Ronan in 2025 | 67 |
| Total recorded in Ireland | 10,231 |
| Peak year | 1980 (356 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #31 |
| Years in records | 1964–2025 (62 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↑ 32 spots |
Frequently asked about Ronan
What does the name Ronan mean?
Ronan means “Little seal — steeped in Celtic myth and mystique” from Irish Gaelic roots.
What is the origin of the name Ronan?
Ronan has Irish Gaelic origin. The traditional meaning is “Little seal — steeped in Celtic myth and mystique”.
How popular is Ronan in Ireland?
Ronan ranked #86 in Ireland in 2025 — given to 67 babies that year.
When was Ronan most popular?
Ronan peaked in 1980 with 356 babies registered that year in Ireland.
Is Ronan a boy or girl name?
Ronan is predominantly a boys' name in Ireland — over 90% of Ronans in registered births are male.
Is the name Ronan rising or falling in popularity?
Ronan has risen 32 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Ireland — from #118 in 2020 to #86 in 2025.
How long has Ronan been recorded in Ireland?
Ronan appears in birth records in Ireland across 62 years — from 1964 through 2025.