Rylan

♀ Girl

Pronounced RY-lun /ˈraɪ.lən/High

Meaning: Island meadow; or rye land; a spelling variant of Ryland or Riley, from Irish Gaelic raghallach (courageous) or Old English rye + landMedium

In 30 seconds: A spelling variant of Riley or Ryland, carrying either an Irish meaning of 'courageous' or an Old English sense of 'rye land.' The Y-spelling gives it a fresh, modern look that has made it attractive for girls.

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Origin MediumIrish, English

MeaningIsland meadow; or rye land; a spelling variant of Ryland or Riley, from Irish Gaelic raghallach (courageous) or Old English rye + land

U.S. rank (2025)#1203 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births190 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2011

Total births (all-time)≈ 6,624

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

Rylan appears to be a spelling variant of Ryland (Old English: rye land) or Riley (Irish: courageous). The Y-spelling is an American creation without a separate historical etymology.

Rylan appeared in U.S. birth data from the 2000s for both boys and girls. For girls, it ranked #1135 in 2024.

Did you know? Riley — the name Rylan most directly recalls — has become one of the most successful boy-to-girl crossovers in American naming, while still used for boys. Rylan is its more distinctive respelling.

Overall data confidence 75%

U.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RylandRileyRylin

Nicknames

RyRye

Famous Bearers

★Rylan Clark (1988-)
British television presenter and singer

If you like Rylan…

Ryland— the Old English place-name compound sharing the root

Rylee— another Ry- spelling variant popular for girls

Rylie— another -y spelling of Riley in the same family

Rhyan— a similarly popular pick

Tegan— a similarly popular pick

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Rylan mean?

Rylan is a spelling variant of Riley (Irish: courageous) or Ryland (Old English: rye land). Its exact etymology depends on which root it follows.

How do you pronounce Rylan?

It's said RY-lun — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Rylan a boy or girl name?

Rylan is used for both sexes.

How popular is Rylan?

Rylan ranked #1135 for U.S. girls in 2024.