Find out how popular the first name Ryder has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ryder by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Ryder is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 97% of people named Ryder being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 2,822 male babies and 196 female babies born with the name Ryder.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 196 baby girls were named Ryder in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Ryder

The given name Ryder has its origins in the Old English language, dating back to the medieval period. It is derived from the Old English word "ridere," which means "mounted warrior" or "rider." This suggests that the name may have been originally associated with horsemen, knights, or those involved in cavalry or equestrian pursuits.

During the Anglo-Saxon era in Britain, the name Ryder was likely used to refer to individuals who excelled in horsemanship or who held positions related to horses or mounted combat. It was a name that carried connotations of strength, bravery, and skill in the saddle.

While no specific historical references or ancient texts mentioning the name Ryder have been widely documented, it is believed to have been in use among the English-speaking population during the Middle Ages. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 13th and 14th centuries in England.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Ryder was Sir John Ryder, an English knight who lived in the late 14th century. He served under King Edward III and participated in the Hundred Years' War against France.

Another notable historical figure was Sir Thomas Ryder, a 16th-century English lawyer and judge. He served as the Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench from 1591 to 1598 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

In the 17th century, Dudley Ryder, an English lawyer and politician, held the position of Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench from 1754 to 1756. He was also a Member of Parliament and served as the Attorney General for England and Wales.

In the 19th century, Henry Ryder, 1st Earl of Harrowby, was a prominent British statesman and peer. He served as the Lord President of the Council and held various other political positions from 1809 to 1827.

Another notable figure was Sir Alfred Phillipps Ryder, a British civil engineer and naval architect who lived from 1820 to 1888. He designed several notable ships, including the HMS Ranger and HMS Immortalité.

While the name Ryder has its roots in Old English and was historically associated with horsemen and warriors, it has evolved over time and is now used as a given name across various cultures and regions. However, its origins and historical significance remain tied to its equestrian and martial connotations in medieval England.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ryder was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ryder, please contact us.

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