Riley
Courageous, valiant — a unisex name of Irish origin
Popularity of Riley in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Riley
Riley derives from the Irish surname O'Raghailligh, meaning "descendant of Raghailleach," a name associated with courage and valiance. There is also an Old English origin, from "ryge" (rye) and "leah" (clearing), meaning "rye clearing." The name was predominantly masculine until the late 20th century, when it surged in popularity for girls as well. Riley exemplifies the modern trend of surname-to-first-name crossovers and has maintained strong popularity for both genders, particularly in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Riley Around the World
Riley is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Riley
Famous People Named Riley
- Riley Keough — American actress and granddaughter of Elvis Presley
- Riley Reid — American media personality
- B.B. King (Riley B. King) — legendary blues musician
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Sibling Name Ideas for Riley
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Riley mean?
Riley is a unisex name of Irish origin meaning "Courageous, valiant." Riley derives from the Irish surname O'Raghailligh, meaning "descendant of Raghailleach," a name associated with courage and valiance. There is also an Old English origin, from "ryge" (rye) and "leah" (clearing), meaning "rye clearing.
How do you pronounce Riley?
Riley is pronounced RYE-lee. Common variations include Rylie, Ryleigh, Reilly.
Is Riley a unisex name?
Yes, Riley is traditionally a unisex name. Popular nicknames include Ri, Lee.
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