Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Ryder
BoyEnglish, Old English· “horseman, rider”
- Meaning
- horseman, rider
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- RY-dur
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #133
- US babies 2025
- 2,710
- Best rank
- #95 (2014)
- Peak year
- 2015
Meaning and origin of Ryder
Ryder is an English and Old English name that means “horseman, rider”.
Ryder is an English occupational surname for a mounted man, a horseman or rider, from Old English ridere. In medieval England such a name could describe a mounted warrior or someone who patrolled on horseback. As a first name it arrived with the modern taste for surname names that describe an activity, such as Hunter, Archer and Mason. Ryder sounds energetic and adventurous, with a strong r at both ends. It is simple to pronounce, and the y spelling gives it a slightly distinctive look compared with Rider. It suits families who want an active, outdoorsy image rather than a traditional classic.
Other spellings with the same sound: Rider.
Popularity over time
Ryder first appears in US Social Security records in 1960. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 31 different years, starting in 1994. Its best national rank was #95 in 2014, and the most babies received it in 2015, when 4,165 were named Ryder. In 2025, 2,710 babies were named Ryder, and it ranked #133 nationally. That is 35% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #3,397 in 1980, #797 in 2000, #135 in 2010, and #133 in 2025. Of the 66,639 US boys named Ryder since records began, 54% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 18,395 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Maxwell, Harrison, Kayden, Braxton, and Brantley.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ryder ranked highest in West Virginia, Hawaii, and Wyoming.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | #41 | 33 |
| Hawaii | #46 | 17 |
| Wyoming | #53 | 9 |
| New Hampshire | #59 | 24 |
| Kentucky | #64 | 71 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 96% of US babies named Ryder over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Ryder is usually pronounced RY-dur, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with R and ends in “-er”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Rider.
Middle names for Ryder
A few middle names that flow with Ryder: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ryder
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Lists that include Ryder
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ryder mean?
Ryder is an English and Old English name that means “horseman, rider”.
What is the origin of the name Ryder?
Ryder has English and Old English roots. Ryder is an English occupational surname for a mounted man, a horseman or rider, from Old English ridere.
Is Ryder a popular name?
Yes. Ryder ranked #133 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Ryder a boy or girl name?
Ryder is mainly a boy's name. About 96% of US babies named Ryder over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Ryder?
Ryder is usually pronounced RY-dur. 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