Riley
Riley first appears in US records in 1923. It peaked in 2016, when 7,159 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 4,441.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Riley mean?
Riley has two strands: the Irish Ó Raghallaigh, linked to “valiant” or “courageous,” and an English place name meaning “rye clearing.”
Variants & spellings
- Reilly
- Rylee
Names like Riley
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Riley mean?
Riley means Valiant; rye clearing. Riley has two strands: the Irish Ó Raghallaigh, linked to “valiant” or “courageous,” and an English place name meaning “rye clearing.”
What is the origin of the name Riley?
Riley is of Irish origin.
How do you pronounce Riley?
Riley is pronounced “RY-lee.”
Is Riley a boy or a girl name?
Riley is most commonly used as a unisex name.
How popular is the name Riley?
In 2025, Riley ranked #208 among boys’ and #48 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Riley most popular?
Riley was most popular in 2016, when about 7,159 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.