National Ryan Day – October 14, 2022, history, significance
National Ryan Day is celebrated on October 14. Ryan is a traditional Irish surname that has grown in popularity as a first name for both boys and girls. It is derived from the Gaelic words ‘righ’ and ‘an,’ which mean ‘small king’ when combined.
It’s also a variation of the Irish surname O’Riain. Ryan was originally for infant boys but has grown to include girls as well. The name has never cracked the top 10 names in the United States, but it has had a long career as a relatively popular choice.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL RYAN DAY
Ryan is an Irish-given name in English. Originally a male name, it has grown popular among both men and women since the 1970s. It is derived from the surname Ryan, which is derived from the Old Irish name ‘Ran’ or ‘Rian.’ The name is usually translated as ‘small king’ or ‘illustrious’ in modern texts.
The original meaning, though, remains uncertain. “Rian, like Niall, appears to be so ancient that its meaning was lost before records began,” says John Ryan, Professor of Early and Medieval History at University College Dublin.
While we don’t know when Ryan became a given name, we do know it first appeared on the Social Security Administration’s top 1,000 boys’ names list in the 1940s. Ryan has remained a popular boys’ name since then due to its strong, straightforward nature.
For several decades following the 1940s, Ryan’s popularity grew slowly but surely. However, it wasn’t until the early 1970s that this name became well-known thanks to actor Ryan O’Neal. After winning a role in the series opera “Peyton Place,”
this boxer-turned-actor got his big break, and then went on to star in films like “Love Story” and “Paper Moon.” Ryan was ranked number 10 in 2005 and number 14 in 2006 as a newborn most popular name in Ireland. By 2021, Ran and Rian, the traditional Irish forms of the name, had already surpassed Ryan in popularity on the Irish charts.
NATIONAL RYAN DAY TIMELINE
1940s
First Appearance
Ryan first appears on the Social Security Administration’s top 1,000 boys’ names list.
1970s
Popular Unisex Name
Ryan becomes popular among both men and women.
2005
Popular Baby Name Ranking
Ryan ranks number 10 as a popular baby name.
2021
Traditional Forms
Ran and Rian, the traditional Irish forms of Ryan, surpass it in popularity on the Irish charts.
NATIONAL RYAN DAY ACTIVITIES
Treat yourself
If you are Ryan, time to splurge today. Have a nice meal, a cake, or an outing with your loved ones.
Appreciate a Ryan
If you know a Ryan, send them a gift to celebrate them today. Show them how much you appreciate having them in your life.
Congratulate a Ryan
You might have no Ryans in your day-to-day life, but what about virtual life? Wish them all a happy National Ryan Day in a nice post or message.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE NAME RYAN
Top 20
Ryan was a top 20 boy’s name in the United States from 1976 through 2010.
Top 1,000
Ryan was among the top 1,000 girls’ names for the first time in 1974.
Ryan Population
The amount of people named Ryan is estimated to be 400,521.
156th most prevalent name
Ryan is the 156th most prevalent given name in the United States.
126 Ryans
For every 100,000 Americans, there are 126 persons named Ryan..
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL RYAN DAY
It makes us feel special
What could feel more special than a national day dedicated just to you? If you can, take the day off and celebrate.
It creates happy memories
Doing something nice on a national day dedicated to your name would be a priceless memory that will last forever for you and your loved ones. Go ahead and create some good memories on this day.
It’s a time for family
Families who have a child carrying the name would be reminded of how blessed they’ve been with their child and vice versa. It’s the perfect opportunity to bond with loved ones.
