Ryan
Meaning: Little king or descendant of the king
Origin: Irish
Gender: Boy
Rank in New Zealand: #53
Total births: 10,740
History: Ryan surged in New Zealand in the 1990s-2000s. The Irish meaning 'little king' carries Celtic heritage in a country with strong Irish roots. Ryan represents the Irish-Kiwi naming tradition that runs deep in New Zealand families.
Explore more at New Zealand Baby Names on BabyNa.me
Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from New Zealand’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #56 |
| Babies named Ryan in 2025 | 63 |
| Total recorded in New Zealand | 10,740 |
| Peak year | 1993 (326 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #10 |
| Years in records | 1967–2025 (58 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 8 spots |
Frequently asked about Ryan
What does the name Ryan mean?
Ryan means “Little king or descendant of the king” from Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Ryan?
Ryan has Irish origin. The traditional meaning is “Little king or descendant of the king”.
How popular is Ryan in New Zealand?
Ryan ranked #56 in New Zealand in 2025 — given to 63 babies that year.
When was Ryan most popular?
Ryan peaked in 1993 with 326 babies registered that year in New Zealand.
Is Ryan a boy or girl name?
Ryan is predominantly a boys' name in New Zealand — over 90% of Ryans in registered births are male.
How long has Ryan been recorded in New Zealand?
Ryan appears in birth records in New Zealand across 58 years — from 1967 through 2025.