Rylee
Rylee is a girl name of Irish origin meaning “Courageous, valiant”, pronounced RYE-lee. It ranked #137 in the United States in 2025, given to 2,118 babies, and peaked at #97 in 2021. Common nicknames: Ry, Lee.
How popular is Rylee 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 Rylee mean, and where does it come from?
Rylee is a modern phonetic respelling of Riley, itself derived from the Irish surname O'Raghailligh, meaning "descendant of Raghailleach," a name long associated with courage. The distinctive "-ylee" spelling emerged in the United States in the 1990s and 2000s as parents sought a softer, more clearly feminine variant of the increasingly unisex Riley. Rylee has become especially popular for girls, prized for its bright, playful sound and Celtic pedigree. It exemplifies the broader trend of inventive spellings drawn from established Irish surname names.
How is Rylee used around the world?
Rylee is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 3+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Rylee?
Famous People Named Rylee
- Rylee Arnold — American professional ballroom dancer on Dancing with the Stars
- Rylee Alazraqui — American actress and voice actress
Similar Names to Rylee
If you like Rylee, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Rylee
Looking for names that pair well with Rylee? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Rylee mean?
Rylee is a girl name of Irish origin meaning "Courageous, valiant." Rylee is a modern phonetic respelling of Riley, itself derived from the Irish surname O'Raghailligh, meaning "descendant of Raghailleach," a name long associated with courage. The distinctive "-ylee" spelling emerged in the United States in the 1990s and 2000s as parents sought a softer, more clearly feminine variant of the increasingly unisex Riley.
How do you pronounce Rylee?
Rylee is pronounced RYE-lee. Common variations include Riley, Ryleigh, Rylie.
Is Rylee a girl name?
Yes, Rylee is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Ry, Lee.