Is Ryu a boy's or girl's name?

Ryu is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 5 recorded births.

When was Ryu most popular?

Ryu reached its peak popularity in 2012 with 130 births that year. It is currently ranked #1449 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Ryu?

Ryu is currently ranked #1449 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 1,624 babies since 1985.

Ryu

An uncommon Japanese pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsJapaneseRising fast Also a pet name

#1449▲ 576in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A surname from Japanese.

Ryu is a boy's and girl's baby name of Japanese origin meaning 'dragon' or 'to soar,' from the Japanese kanji characters. Dragons in Japanese and East Asian culture are benevolent, powerful beings associated with water, wisdom, and imperial authority — quite different from their European counterparts.

Ryu gained international recognition through the video game character Ryu in Street Fighter. Short, clean, and carrying the power of one of the most magnificent symbols in Asian mythology — it's a name of genuine cultural beauty that travels well.

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Popularity Over Time

Ryu climbed 2168 spots in the last 20 years — from #3617 to #1449.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Ryu
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	422	#1899	▼
2010s	741	#2005	▲
2000s	372	#3074	▲
1990s	77	#5208	▲
1980s	12	#6843	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(33 years, 1985–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Ryu
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	125	#1449	+50 (66.7%)
2023	75	#2025	+2 (2.7%)
2022	73	#2077	-4 (-5.2%)
2021	77	#1955	+5 (6.9%)
2020	72	#1991	+4 (5.9%)
2019	68	#2126	+14 (25.9%)
2018	54	#2438	-22 (-28.9%)
2017	76	#1911	+4 (5.6%)
2016	72	#2005	+16 (28.6%)
2015	56	#2347	-17 (-23.3%)
2014	73	#1975	-3 (-3.9%)
2013	76	#1875	-54 (-41.5%)
2012	130	#1320	+57 (78.1%)
2011	73	#1919	+10 (15.9%)
2010	63	#2138	+2 (3.3%)
2009	61	#2197	+8 (15.1%)
2008	53	#2427	0
2007	53	#2433	+10 (23.3%)
2006	43	#2729	+11 (34.4%)
2005	32	#3223	+6 (23.1%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Ryu as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Ryu has also been given to 5 girls in the U.S. since 2022.

Unranked

Current rank

Total births

2022

Peak year

Compare Ryu as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Ryu be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Ryu is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1449. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Ryu has two lives

Ryu, the baby name

#1449boys

1,624 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1985–2024) · Methodology

Ryu