Introduction to Baby Name Trends
Baby and pet name trends can come from both familiar and surprising places. You’re likely to come across a dog named "Wrigley" while walking down the Southport Corridor, for example. The name "Ryne" also owes its popularity to America’s Pastime — a once-rare moniker that quietly surged in popularity during the mid-1980s, thanks in large part to Cubs Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg.
The Origins of the Name Ryne
Ryne, pronounced “rhine,” originated as a shortened form of the Germanic names Reinhold or Reginald. The name first gained modest popularity in the United States with MLB pitcher Rinold "Ryne" Duren, who played for 10 seasons from 1954-65 and won a World Series title with the New York Yankees in 1958. Duren was known for his wild fastball and thick eyeglasses. His reputation for unpredictability would later inspire the character Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn, played by Charlie Sheen in the iconic 1989 baseball comedy "Major League."
Ryne Sandberg’s Impact on the Name’s Popularity
But it was Sandberg, the Cubs legend, who turned Ryne from a rarity into a cultural trend. The name Ryne saw a dramatic rise in popularity for baby boys in the early 1980s. Ryne Dee Sandberg was born on Sept. 18, 1959, in Spokane, Washington, and was later affectionately nicknamed "Ryno." His parents, Elizabeth and Derwent, indeed named him after that Yankees flamethrower Ryne Duren.
Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg is the center of attention as he signs autographs for fans during a workout for MLB’s 58th All-Star Game in Oakland, California, on July 14, 1987. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
The Rise of Ryne as a Baby Name
As Ryne Sandberg rose to stardom in the 1980s, the baby boy name followed suit, as the data shows. "Ryno’s" first season on the North Side was in 1982. After not appearing on the charts in 1981, 31 boys were named Ryne in 1982, followed by 38 in 1983. Then, a significant jump to 199 in 1984. The timing was no coincidence. That was Sandberg’s breakout 1984 season, in which he earned National League MVP honors and led the Cubs to their first postseason berth in 39 years.
Peak Popularity and Decline
In the 1980s, Michael, Christopher, and Matthew were the most popular names for boys, and Jessica, Jennifer, and Amanda for girls. The year when the name Ryne peaked in popularity was 1985, with 286 according to ssa.gov. Ryne has seen a steady decline in usage since the late 1990s, eventually falling below 20 births per year.
Catching up with a Ryne
WGN’s Kevin Doellman caught up with one of the millennials named after Sandberg. George Schrage Jr. was a diehard Cubs fan. In 1984, he bought a bottle of champagne to celebrate what he hoped would be a World Series victory. But the team fell short, losing to the San Diego Padres in five games in the NLCS, despite being up 2-0 in that series, and the bottle remained sealed. After George passed away, the champagne was passed down to his son, Rick, and eventually to his grandson, Ryne.
Ryne Schrage (center) and his father Rick Schrage (right) at a Cubs game. (Photo courtesy Schrage family)
Ryne Schrage as a baby. (Photo courtesy Schrage family)
A Personal Connection to the Cubs
"I was named after my dad’s favorite player, Ryne Sandberg," confirms Ryne Schrage, born on March 26, 1988, in Quincy — the west-central region of Illinois that largely supports the rival St. Louis Cardinals. Despite close calls in 1998 and especially in 2003, when the Cubs fell an agonizing game short of the World Series, the bottle stayed unopened through decades of disappointment. "My dad unexpectedly passed in 2005," Ryne Schrage said. "As we were cleaning out his closet, I found the champagne bottle and took over possession of the bottle. It traveled with me through apartments and eventually into my home."
Celebrating the Cubs’ World Series Win
That all changed in 2016, when the Cubs clinched their first World Series title since 1908 with a dramatic extra-innings win over the Cleveland Indians in Game 7. Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and the rest of the team finally brought a championship home to the North Side. So Ryne uncorked the bottle, honoring the memory of his father and grandfather. Of course, the champagne "tasted terrible, like vinegar" after 32 years, but the feeling was bittersweet. "Being able to open that 1984 champagne bottle was definitely bittersweet," Schrage said. "I was overly ecstatic about the Cubs winning the World Series, but I did wish my grandpa and dad were able to be there to open it with me."
Current Life and Future Hopes
Ryne Schrage currently resides in Wentzville, Missouri, but he frequently visits Wrigley Field with his wife and two daughters. His daughters, Quinn and Ivy, were named after the iconic ivy at Wrigley Field. "After the 2016 season, I bought a Chicago Cubs wine bottle and tucked it away in my closet, saving it for the next time the Cubs win the World Series," Schrage said. Needless to say, he hopes the wine won’t be stuck in the bottle for decades this time around.
Three Rynes: Schrage, Sandberg and Duren. (Photos: Schrage family, left; Getty Images, center and right)
Conclusion
The story of how Ryne Sandberg sparked a baby name boom is a testament to the power of sports to influence culture and personal lives. From the ballpark to the birth certificate, the name Ryne will always be remembered as a symbol of the Cubs’ rich history and the impact of its legendary players on fans.
FAQs
- Q: Who was Ryne Sandberg, and why is he significant to the name "Ryne"?
A: Ryne Sandberg was a Hall of Fame second baseman for the Chicago Cubs, and his popularity in the 1980s led to a surge in the name "Ryne" for baby boys. - Q: What was the origin of the name "Ryne"?
A: The name "Ryne" originated as a shortened form of the Germanic names Reinhold or Reginald. - Q: How many boys were named Ryne in 1984?
A: In 1984, 199 boys were named Ryne, marking a significant jump from previous years. - Q: What is the current status of the name "Ryne" in terms of popularity?
A: The name "Ryne" has seen a steady decline in usage since the late 1990s, eventually falling below 20 births per year. - Q: Who is Ryne Schrage, and what is his connection to Ryne Sandberg?
A: Ryne Schrage is a millennial named after Ryne Sandberg by his father, a diehard Cubs fan. He has a personal connection to the Cubs and honored his father and grandfather by opening a 32-year-old champagne bottle after the Cubs won the World Series in 2016.
