From Ó Riain, descendants of Rian — a Tipperary name, its meaning most likely ‘little king’.
Gaelic Origin · Root name Rian
Ryan descends from the personal name Rian, most often read as a diminutive of rí, ‘king’ — ‘little king’. The Ó Riain sept held territory in Tipperary and remained one of the county's most numerous names long after its own lordship faded.
A modest name for what it means — a small crown, worn quietly, that outlasted the kingdoms around it.
Irish form: Ó Riain
