Ryan Family Crest, Coat of Arms & Ryan Name Origin

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Origin of the Name Ryan

The origin of the name Ryan was found in the allfamilycrests.com archives. Meaning 'administrator', the Ryans descended from a second century King of Leinster called Cathaoir Mor. They separated into two septs, one being O'Rain of Idrone in Carlow and the other being the O'Maoilrians, who were Chiefs of Owney around Tipperary and Limerick . The name originally was O'Mulryans which is now almost obsolete. In the census of 1659 Ryan outnumbers O'Mulryan by four to one and today there are few of this name left. The Ryans of Carlow and surrounding districts are distinct from those already mentioned but are still descended from Cathaoir Mor, King of Leinster , in the second century. After the Treaty of Limerick many Ryans went abroad to America, Chile and Spain and distinguished themselves as Commanders, Admirals and Ministers. In the United States Father Joseph Ryan, 1838-1911, was Archbishop of Philadelphia. Stephen Vincent Ryan, 1826-1896, from Clare, was Bishop of Buffalo.