Ronan

♀ Girl

Pronounced ROH-nan /ˈroʊ.nən/High

Meaning: From Irish ron, 'a seal', plus a diminutive; 'a little seal'; used for both sexes; here for girlsLow

In 30 seconds: A little seal: Ronan is Irish 'a little seal'. Crisp, lyrical, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for girls; said 'ROH-nan').

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Origin LowIrish

MeaningFrom Irish ron, 'a seal', plus a diminutive; 'a little seal'; used for both sexes; here for girls

U.S. rank (2025)#5677 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births22 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 259

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Ronan comes from Irish ron, 'a seal', plus a diminutive — 'a little seal' — linked to the selkie legends of seal-folk. Borne by several Irish saints. A crisp, lyrical name, used for both sexes, here for girls (slug distinguished; nickname Ro).

In the U.S. it registers more often for boys; here for girls. Rare for girls, a-little-seal at the root, and lyrical.

Did you know? Ronan means 'a little seal' in Irish (ron, 'a seal', plus a diminutive) — linked to the selkie legends of seals that become people — a crisp, lyrical name, used for both sexes (here for girls; said 'ROH-nan').

Overall data confidence 42%

Behind the Name — Ronan — Irish etymology

Variations

RonenRonin

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Ronan…

Nolan— a fellow Irish -an name

Sloane— a companion Irish unisex girls' name

Wren— another short nature girls' name

Rylan— a fellow Irish choice

Regan— a fellow Irish choice

Explore names like Ronan

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ronan mean?

Ronan is Irish for 'a little seal'.

How do you pronounce Ronan?

It's said ROH-nan /ˈroʊ.nən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Ronan a boy or girl name?

Ronan is used for both sexes (more often boys'); this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Ronan?

Ronan is a rare name for girls in the U.S.