The Irish surname Ryan is of patronymic origin, being derived from the Gaelic name  Ó Maoilriain, from the first name Rian, meaning “ little king.” The sept was located on the border of counties  Tipperary and Limerick and is now one of the most numerous surnames in Ireland. There was another Ó Riain in county Carlow. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of O'Maoilriain, which was dated circa 14th Century, in "Medieval Records of County Tipperary", during the reign of Gerald, Earl of Desmond, 1369 - 1374.  Notable bearers of the surname Ryan include Phylis Ryan the Irish Nationalist and Chemist. Phylis was the 2nd wife of the President of Ireland Sean T. O'Kelly. Phylsi Ryan was born in Taghmon, County Wexford on February 28th 1895 and died in Dublin on November 19th 1983.

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                                                 RYAN SIGNET CREST RING 

.                                                          .                                                                                              RYAN DUKE CREST RING