Riley
Riley is a unisex name of Irish origin meaning “Courageous, valiant”, pronounced RYE-lee. It ranked #48 in the United States in 2025, given to 4,441 babies, and peaked at #22 in 2016. Common nicknames: Ri, Lee.
How popular is 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.
What does Riley mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Riley used 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.
What are the 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
Similar Names to Riley
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Sibling Name Ideas for Riley
Looking for names that pair well with Riley? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
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.