Riley Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Riley Name Meaning

Fact: The name Riley also means “rye clearing” in English.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Riley Overview

Meaning

Courageous, valiant

Gender

Girl, Gender-neutral

Origin

Irish

Etymology

As an Irish surname, Riley evolved from “Reilly,” derived from the Gaelic ‘raghallach’ meaning ‘valiant.’

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈraɪli/

Popularity

More common for girls in the USA but remains largely masculine in places like the UK and Australia​.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

5 letters

Numerology

33 (Nurturing, Spiritual, Expressive, Altruistic)

Name Styles

Modern, Popular, Cool, Cute

Associated Traits

Adventurous, sociable, creative
A Deep Dive

Riley Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Rylie, Rylee, Ryleigh, Reilly, Rielly, Rilie, Ryley, Rheilly, Riely, Rileigh

Common Nicknames

Riles, RyRy, Lee, Rilo, Rye, Ri, Rilee, Ryl

Diminutives

Rily, Ry-Ry, Ri, Riri, RiRi, Ry

Famous People

  • Riley B. King
    (American Blues Musician)
  • Riley Keough
    (American Actress)
  • Riley Green
    (American Country Singer,)
  • Riley McCusker
    (American Gymnast)
  • Riley Smith
    (American Actor)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Riley Andersen
    ("Inside Out," Film)
  • Riley Adams
    ("CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," TV Series)
  • Riley Blue
    ("Sense8," TV Series)

Places

  • Riley County
    (Kansas, USA)
  • Fort Riley Army Installation
    (Kansas, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Riley?

The name Riley translates to “courageous” or “valiant,” reflecting qualities of bravery and valor.

What Is the Origin of The Name Riley?

Riley originally comes from Irish background. As an Irish surname, it is a variant of Reilly, which itself is derived from the Gaelic word ‘raghallach’ meaning ‘valiant’.

Riley Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Riley in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#372021#392022#432023
Top 3 Rankings#222016#252017#282018

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Riley

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
202343
(-4 from 2022)
4617
(-285 from 2022)
0.26395
202239
(-2 from 2021)
4902
(-313 from 2021)
0.27339
202137
(-4 from 2020)
5215
(-121 from 2020)
0.29109
202033
(-3 from 2019)
5336
(-372 from 2019)
0.30186
201930
(-2 from 2018)
5708
(-300 from 2018)
0.31108
201828
(-3 from 2017)
6008
(-355 from 2017)
0.32307
201725
(-3 from 2016)
6363
(-794 from 2016)
0.33682
201622
(+13 from 2015)
7157
(+1420 from 2015)
0.36970
201535
(+12 from 2014)
5737
(+939 from 2014)
0.29407
201447
(-2 from 2013)
4798
(-142 from 2013)
0.24526
201345
(+2 from 2012)
4940
(+107 from 2012)
0.25627
201247
No change from 2011
4833
(-210 from 2011)
0.24919
201147
(-7 from 2010)
5043
(-499 from 2010)
0.26026
201040
(-2 from 2009)
5542
(-93 from 2009)
0.28266
200938
(+1 from 2008)
5635
(-138 from 2008)
0.27826
200839
(+13 from 2007)
5773
(+561 from 2007)
0.27717
200752
(+4 from 2006)
5212
(+156 from 2006)
0.24626
200656
(-2 from 2005)
5056
(-71 from 2005)
0.24185
200554
(+4 from 2004)
5127
(+145 from 2004)
0.25261
200458
(+14 from 2003)
4982
(+739 from 2003)
0.24690
200372
(+5 from 2002)
4243
(+337 from 2002)
0.21147
200277
(+29 from 2001)
3906
(+862 from 2001)
0.19777
2001106
(+25 from 2000)
3044
(+492 from 2000)
0.15366
2000131
(+7 from 1999)
2552
(+240 from 1999)
0.12787
1999138
(+28 from 1998)
2312
(+435 from 1998)
0.11876
1998166
(+18 from 1997)
1877
(+208 from 1997)
0.09683
1997184
(+62 from 1996)
1669
(+519 from 1996)
0.08742
1996246
(+41 from 1995)
1150
(+181 from 1995)
0.05998
1995287
(+62 from 1994)
969
(+213 from 1994)
0.05043
1994349
(+104 from 1993)
756
(+203 from 1993)
0.03878
1993453
(+102 from 1992)
553
(+129 from 1992)
0.02805
1992555
(+171 from 1991)
424
(+138 from 1991)
0.02115
1991726
(+96 from 1990)
286
(+48 from 1990)
0.01406
1990822
(+192 from 1989)
238
(+69 from 1989)
0.01158
19891014
(+196 from 1988)
169
(+45 from 1988)
0.00848
19881210
(+260 from 1987)
124
(+36 from 1987)
0.00645
19871470
(-143 from 1986)
88
(-11 from 1986)
0.00470
19861327
(+433 from 1985)
99
(+35 from 1985)
0.00536
19851760
(+1853 from 1984)
64
(+42 from 1984)
0.00347
19843613
(-1137 from 1983)
22
(-15 from 1983)
0.00122
19832476
(+105 from 1982)
37
(+1 from 1982)
0.00207
19822581
(+757 from 1981)
36
(+11 from 1981)
0.00198
19813338
(+654 from 1980)
25
(+6 from 1980)
0.00140
19803992
(+427 from 1979)
19
(+3 from 1979)
0.00107
19794419
(+512 from 1978)
16
(+3 from 1978)
0.00093
19784931
(+957 from 1977)
13
(+3 from 1977)
0.00079
19775888
(+1409 from 1976)
10
(+3 from 1976)
0.00061
19767297
(-2136 from 1975)
7
(-4 from 1975)
0.00045
19755161
(+1096 from 1974)
11
(+3 from 1974)
0.00070
19746257
(+409 from 1973)
8
(+1 from 1973)
0.00051
19736666
(+349 from 1968)
7
(+2 from 1968)
0.00045
19720
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19710
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19700
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19690
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19687015
(-1203 from 1965)
5
(-1 from 1965)
0.00029
19670
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19660
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19655812
(-435 from 1957)
6
No change from 1957
0.00033
19640
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19630
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19620
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19610
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19600
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19590
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19580
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19575377
(-894 from 1952)
6
(-1 from 1952)
0.00029
19560
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19550
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19540
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19530
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19524483
(+931 from 1951)
7
(+2 from 1951)
0.00037
19515414
(-650 from 1947)
5
(-1 from 1947)
0.00027
19500
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19490
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19480
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19474764
(-73 from 1943)
6
(+1 from 1943)
0.00033
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19450
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19434691
(-70 from 1942)
5
No change from 1942
0.00035
19424621
(-200 from 1941)
5
No change from 1941
0.00036
19414421
(-621 from 1937)
5
(-1 from 1937)
0.00040
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19373800
(+751 from 1930)
6
(+1 from 1930)
0.00054
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19304551
(-498 from 1929)
5
(-1 from 1929)
0.00043
19294053
(+914 from 1923)
6
(+1 from 1923)
0.00052
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19234967
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00040
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Riley

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#482021#522022#552023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#552021#492022#532023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#382021#352022#412023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#342021#492022#422023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#192021#282022#452023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#372021#282022#342023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#282021#412022#402023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#462021#412022#462023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#232021#332022#282023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#142021#212022#282023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#272021#232022#412023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#272021#432022#372023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#322021#312022#452023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#382021#432022#502023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#352021#392022#312023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#402021#632022#562023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#392021#492022#562023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#312021#362022#422023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#412021#582022#592023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#382021#622022#432023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#292021#412022#242023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#202021#272022#162023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#622021#562022#512023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#452021#302022#222023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#632021#502022#582023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#262021#332022#292023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#192021#342022#422023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#512021#692022#572023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#412021#382022#392023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#662021#692022#682023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#632021#552022#362023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#782021#422022#502023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#1562021#1082022#1412023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#342021#222022#512023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#662021#552022#512023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#272021#232022#642023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#772021#1422022#962023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#192021#422022#532023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#1592021#862022#1082023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#332021#282022#392023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#532021#1332022#422023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#172021#272022#322023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#392021#552022#292023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#402021#562022#262023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#722021#372022#572023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#782021#912022#822023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#882021#402022#722023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#352021#982022#542023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1002021#1302022#1332023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#732018#742019#352021

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#172018#612019#772021

Popularity Rankings for Riley in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Other American Territories

American Samoa flag American Samoa
Guam flag Guam
Northern Mariana Islands flag Northern Mariana Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands flag U.S. Virgin Islands

Other American Territories flagOther American Territories#302015#232016#312018

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#302021#402022#412023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#592021#602022#1002023

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#822019#872021#772022

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#1122021#1242022#1332023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#1132020#1192021#1312022

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#1982021#1692022#1432023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#2432019#2292020#2072021

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#2372021#2182022#3282023

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#5612020#4252021#6812022

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#7742023

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Riley a Name for Boys or Girls?

Riley is considered a unisex name, suitable for both boys and girls. Historically, it was more commonly used as a boy’s name, but over the years, it has gained substantial popularity as a girl’s name as well, especially in the United States.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Riley

  • Rylie
  • Rylee
  • Ryleigh
  • Reilly
  • Rielly
  • Rilie
  • Ryley
  • Rheilly
  • Riely
  • Rileigh
  • Riles
  • RyRy
  • Lee
  • Rilo
  • Rye
  • Ri
  • Rilee
  • Ryl
  • Rily
  • Ry-Ry
  • Ri
  • Riri
  • RiRi
  • Ry

Riley in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Riley B. King (Blues Musician, 1925–2015): Known as B.B. King, he was an iconic American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter, famous for his soulful music and profound influence on the blues genre.
  • Riley Keough (Actress, born 1989): An American actress and the granddaughter of Elvis Presley, known for her roles in films like "Mad Max: Fury Road" and "The Lodge."
  • Riley Green (Country Singer, born 1988): An American country music singer-songwriter recognized for his hit songs and charismatic stage presence.
  • Riley McCusker (Gymnast, born 2001): An American artistic gymnast who has competed at the national and international levels, known for her technical skill and artistry.
  • Riley Smith (Actor, born 1978): An American actor known for his diverse roles in television and film, contributing significantly to various genres.
  • Riley Voelkel (Actress, born 1990): Recognized for her role in the TV series "The Originals," she has made a mark with her acting skills in the supernatural drama genre.
  • Riley Clemmons (Singer, born 1999): An American pop singer known for her inspirational music and powerful vocals.
  • Riley Curry (Public Figure, born 2012): Daughter of NBA star Stephen Curry, she captured the public's attention with her adorable appearances at basketball games.
  • Riley Hawk (Skateboarder, born 1992): An American professional skateboarder and the son of skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, known for his skills and contributions to the sport.
  • Riley Reiff (Football Player, born 1988): An American professional football player who has played as an offensive tackle in the NFL.
  • Riley Andersen ("Inside Out," 2015 Film): Features a young girl whose emotions are personified as she navigates a major life change.
  • Riley Adams ("CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 2000 TV Series): A character in the popular TV series, known for her smart and analytical approach to solving crimes.
  • Riley Blue ("Sense8," 2015 TV Series): A central character in the Netflix series, portrayed as a strong yet vulnerable Icelandic DJ with a tragic past.
  • Riley County (Kansas, USA): A region known for its educational institutions and vibrant community life, home to Kansas State University.
  • Fort Riley Army Installation (Kansas, USA): A United States Army installation known for its rich history and role in training military personnel.

Similar Names to Riley

  • Miley
  • Kylie
  • Bailey
  • Marley
  • Briley
  • Finley
  • Tilly
  • Harley
  • Milly
  • Wiley
  • Casey
  • Valerie
  • Andrea

Sibling Names for Riley

Parents Who Like the Name Riley Also Like

If you find the beauty and meaning of the name Riley as intriguing as I do, you’re not alone. Its widespread appeal and adaptable nature make it a perfect candidate for anyone looking for a great name for their babies. So, how does the name Riley inspire you? Share your thoughts and connect with others who love this name!
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

Expertise

Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

Education

1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
  • Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.
Facebook
Instagram
Linkedin

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *