Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Rylan
BoyEnglish, Old English· “from Ryland, 'land where rye grew'”
- Meaning
- from Ryland, 'land where rye grew'
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- RY-luhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #416
- US babies 2025
- 771
- Best rank
- #146 (2011)
- Peak year
- 2011
Meaning and origin of Rylan
Rylan is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “from Ryland, 'land where rye grew'”.
Rylan is usually explained as a form of Ryland, an English surname taken from a place name built on Old English words for rye and land, so it points to a field where rye was grown. As a given name it is a recent American favorite, riding the same wave of two-syllable boys' names ending in -an as Ryan, Nolan and Declan. It sounds modern and easygoing while still resting on an old English word. Spellings vary, including Ryland and Rylen, and Ry works as a short, casual nickname. It pairs well with both traditional and contemporary middle names.
Popularity over time
Rylan first appears in US Social Security records in 1968. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 29 different years, starting in 1997. Its best national rank was #146 in 2011, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,766 babies. In 2025, 771 babies were named Rylan, and it ranked #416 nationally. That is 50% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,542 in 1980, #568 in 2000, #183 in 2010, and #416 in 2025. Of the 34,532 US boys named Rylan since records began, 49% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 10,251 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Giovanni, Drake, Anderson, Braylen, and Brycen.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Rylan ranked highest in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #164 | 20 |
| Louisiana | #205 | 26 |
| Alabama | #222 | 26 |
| North Dakota | #222 | 6 |
| South Dakota | #252 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 83% of US babies named Rylan over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Rylan is usually pronounced RY-luhn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with R and ends in “-an”.
Middle names for Rylan
A few middle names that flow with Rylan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Rylan
Similar names
Harlan Boy
HAHR-luhn
“from an English place name” · English
#617
Ocean Unisex
OH-shuhn
“ocean, the sea” · English
#720
Christian Boy
KRIHS-chuhn
“follower of Christ” · Latin
#96
Landon Boy
LAN-duhn
“long hill” · English
#127
Hunter Boy
HUHN-tur
“hunter” · English
#130
Tyler Boy
TY-lur
“tile maker” · English
#220
Brandon Boy
BRAN-duhn
“broom-covered hill” · Old English
#261
Peyton Unisex
PAY-tuhn
“Pacca's town” · English
#199
Colton Boy
KOHL-tuhn
“from an English place name” · English
#103
Hayden Unisex
HAY-duhn
“hay valley” · English
#161
Easton Boy
EES-tuhn
“east town” · English
#110
Rowan Unisex
ROH-uhn
“little red one; rowan tree” · Irish
#59
Lists that include Rylan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rylan mean?
Rylan is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “from Ryland, 'land where rye grew'”.
What is the origin of the name Rylan?
Rylan has English and Old English roots. Rylan is usually explained as a form of Ryland, an English surname taken from a place name built on Old English words for rye and land, so it points to a field where rye was grown.
Is Rylan a popular name?
Yes. Rylan ranked #416 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Rylan a boy or girl name?
Rylan is mainly a boy's name. About 83% of US babies named Rylan over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Rylan?
Rylan is usually pronounced RY-luhn. 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