I’ve been looking for a baby boy name that isn’t too common that sounds good with my son’s name [name_m]Rayan[/name_m] (pronounced [name_u]RAY[/name_u]-uhn). I suggested [name_m]Ryker[/name_m] to my hubby and he seemed to like it. Problem is, we’re both unsure about using it since it is associated with [name_f]Star[/name_f] Trek. I’m hoping that the reference is old enough that people won’t immediately think of it. Wondering what you all think about the [name_f]Star[/name_f] Trek connection. Thanks so much! 
I had to Google Riker from [name_f]Star[/name_f] Trek to familiarize myself - and I LOVED [name_f]Star[/name_f] Trek as a kid. I think you’re fine in that regard, it’s a different spelling and it was his last name. I honestly think of Riker’s Island first.
I think its old enough that most people won’t think of it. I loved the character, so I don’t think its a bad association either way.
I didn’t have that association immediately. I know of a baby just born named [name_m]Ryker[/name_m] [name_m]Wolfe[/name_m]. Usable but a pretty intense name!
I think of the prison first.
It doesn’t make me think of [name_f]Star[/name_f] Trek, but if people connect it to [name_f]Star[/name_f] Trek I don’t think that’s a negative thing. However, like a few others have said, the name reminds me of Rikers Island, which is a much worse association.
I am a fan of [name_f]Star[/name_f] Trek and I didn’t make the connection, but my first thought was the prison also.
I really dislike it. I do not think the [name_f]Star[/name_f] Trek reference is an issue. It feels overly trendy to me. I have a really hard time taking it seriously. The prison association does not help.
The only association with them name [name_m]Ryker[/name_m] is of the prison.
I have to agree, being associated with a prison is not a perk.
Thank you! You made me feel better about it! I didn’t even think of the prison until I saw it listed with the name meaning. I had heard of Riker’s Island, but honestly didn’t even know it was a prison. I think the reference is just strong for me because we’ve been watching [name_f]Star[/name_f] Trek reruns on BBC, lol.
Wouldn’t name my child after an infamous prison which houses serial killers and rapists (it’s mentioned under ‘name info’ under [name_m]Ryker[/name_m] too). Honestly, the [name_f]Star[/name_f] Trek reference would be the least of my worries. Maybe you’d like:
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u]
[name_m]Malachi[/name_m]
[name_m]Ryder[/name_m]
[name_u]Rex[/name_u]
[name_u]Reeve[/name_u]
[name_m]Maverick[/name_m]
[name_m]Bodhi[/name_m]
[name_m]Rhett[/name_m]
Like any of these? Maybe I can come up with some more. Good luck!
I think the association with the prison is definitely regional. Here in NYC, you’d have to be nuts to name your kid [name_m]Ryker[/name_m]. But if you live in, say, [name_m]New[/name_m] Mexico, you’d be fine. The prison is definitely a negative association, and I’d be cautious about it because you never know if your child will eventually end up in the Northeast (where his name would carry the strongest association.) But if you can’t find any other name you love and Riker’s Island isn’t something people in your area know about, the name is popular enough that you probably wouldn’t have too many problems.
Well… I’m Brazilian, I live in [name_m]Brasil[/name_m] and I know about the Rikers Island because of various TV shows. I wouldn’t use it.
It seems aggressively masculine. Like…“We get it…your child is a boy.” I think the prison association doesn’t help that.
I can’t believe how popular this name has become with the prison association. It’s not just that it’s a prison; it’s a prison infamous for mistreating its prisoners, violating human rights, and serving as a symbol of all that’s wrong with the American penal system. And I wouldn’t assume most people are ignorant of that association, even if you don’t live in [name_m]New[/name_m] [name_m]York[/name_m]. I think it’s akin to naming a baby “Alcatraz” or “Azkaban,” if Azkaban were a real prison
I’m from the Western US, and I still associate [name_m]Ryker[/name_m] with Riker’s Island. I just couldn’t use it for that reason. It’s not just a regional association because of movies, tv, etc.
I can’t stand the name, sorry!
I stand corrected!
I love star trek and am considering Riker because of it. I think most people think of Riker island prison first though.