Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Ronin
BoyJapanese· “masterless samurai”
- Meaning
- masterless samurai
- Origin
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- ROH-nihn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #504
- US babies 2025
- 600
- Best rank
- #390 (2020)
- Peak year
- 2020
Meaning and origin of Ronin
Ronin is a Japanese name that is usually said to mean “masterless samurai”.
Ronin comes from the Japanese word ronin, meaning a samurai without a lord or master, literally "wave man", suggesting someone adrift like a wave on the sea. In feudal Japan, ronin were warriors whose lord had died or who had lost their position; the story of the Forty-Seven Ronin, who avenged their master's death, is one of Japan's most famous tales. In English-speaking countries Ronin is a modern given name chosen for its sound and its image of independence and discipline. It also resembles the Irish name Ronan. Ronin sounds cool, sleek and adventurous.
Popularity over time
Ronin first appears in US Social Security records in 1998. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 19 different years, starting in 2007. Its best national rank was #390 in 2020, the same year it reached its highest count of 790 babies. In 2025, 600 babies were named Ronin, and it ranked #504 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,797 in 2000, #853 in 2010, and #504 in 2025. Of the 10,272 US boys named Ronin since records began, 46% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 4,123 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Royce, Alijah, Dax, Kasen, and Winston.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ronin ranked highest in Alaska, Hawaii, and Nebraska.
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Ronin over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Ronin is usually pronounced ROH-nihn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with R and ends in “-in”.
Middle names for Ronin
A few middle names that flow with Ronin: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ronin
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Lists that include Ronin
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ronin mean?
Ronin is a Japanese name that is usually said to mean “masterless samurai”.
What is the origin of the name Ronin?
Ronin has Japanese roots. Ronin comes from the Japanese word ronin, meaning a samurai without a lord or master, literally "wave man", suggesting someone adrift like a wave on the sea.
Is Ronin a popular name?
Yes. Ronin ranked #504 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Ronin a boy or girl name?
Ronin is mainly a boy's name. About 98% of US babies named Ronin over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Ronin?
Ronin is usually pronounced ROH-nihn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings