Favorite Rare Boy Name Poll Winner- Ronan.
RÓNÁN
Gender: Masculine
Usage: Irish
Pronounced: RON-awn [key]
Means "little seal", derived from Irish rón "seal" combined with a diminutive suffix.
Ronan first appears on the Social Security's list in 2001 at the number 861 spot. Though this name is very old in Ireland it's quite a new and unique name to the US. Ronan has slowly, but steadily, moved it's way up the list in the last 8 yrs. As of 2009 (the latest list of names to be released by the SS offices), Ronan sits at the number 566 spot. I expect Ronan to gain popularity over time, as I've seen it being suggested more and more on baby name forums and blogs.
I personally find this name refreshing, new, inventive, yet with a solid foundation in history and tradition. I do have a heavy bias for Irish names, but Ronan truly is a nice name. It's strong, masculine, has substance, and will age well on a boy into adulthood. Pronounced as RON-awn overseas, the US pronunciation tends to be ROW-nan. Both are nice, but being American I do prefer the US pronunciation. I find Ronan to be very similar in sound and feel to Roman (another favorite of mine) and equally as rare and unique. Ronan is a unique name in the sense that it's not some tacky, trendy, cr8tvly spelled monstrosity that I've been witnessing lately.
I think that parents looking for a trendy or unique name could even appreciate the qualities that Ronan has to offer as a name for their sons. There is a very mature and "cool factor" to the sound. Having deep Irish roots this name has true substance and will not be another flash in the pan trend name. I believe, truly, that this name will hold up for years and years, and will continue to become more popular. I can only hope though that Ronan doesn't become the new Aidan (commonly spelled Aiden and Ayden, or even Aaden). Nothing would break my heart more than to have it become a trendy mess as the fabulous Aidan has become.
Ronan brings to mind a dark haired (or soft brown haired) little boy w/long dark lashes over beautiful hazel or deep brown eyes. I can see a very likable yet 'tough' boy w/this name. A really masculine boy, athletic, tough, spunky, and fun. This name will age brilliantly and I can imagine an adult man w/this name to be extremely handsome, brave, confident and almost mysteriously alluring.
Ronan has some great first/middle name possibilities. It's such a great well rounded name that anything you pair with it should only enhance it's handsomeness. I think many styles would suit this name, be them modern, traditional, unusual, or even bizarrely trendy (not that I'd like the last suggestion much). Some ideas for first/middles might be:
Ronan Wyatt
Ronan Paul
Ronan Thomas
Ronan Wesley
Ronan Tucker
Ronan Pierce
Ronan Jackson
Ronan Bennett
Ronan Scott
Ronan Keith
Everett Ronan
Elliott Ronan
Jacob Ronan
Anthony Ronan
Caleb Ronan
David Ronan
Blaine Ronan
Marcus Ronan
Silas Ronan
Lucas Ronan
Alternatives for Ronan are many. R boy names seem to be very strong in nature as a given. Some great alternatives are:
Roman
Robin
Ronald
Ronnie
Rollin
Rowan
Ruhan
Rudy
Of the alternatives listed I really love the sound of Roman, Ronald, Rowan, and Ruhan (which sort of reminds me of Cohen). For public opinion on the name Ronan, please visit the question I've asked about it on Y!A
Overall I think Ronan is a very masculine, very handsome name that is a rarity these days in the US. I think it will be a great addition to any baby name lovers list of favorites, or to expecting parents list of possible names for their little boy. It's masculine, handsome, strong and unique in a very good way.
J. Kristen
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