Riley

What does the baby name Riley mean? Learn about what Riley means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Riley - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Riley: R-I-L-E-Y, is a 5-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Riley: RIE-lee; RY lee
Meaning of Riley: Dweller by the rye field, valiant, descendant of roghallach, from a meadow of rye.
Origin of Riley: The name 'Riley' has multiple origins and can be traced back to different cultures. One origin of the name is from Ireland, where it is derived from the Irish surname Ó Raghallaigh, meaning 'descendant of Raghallach'. Raghallach is an Irish personal name derived from the elements 'ragh' meaning 'race' or 'prosperity' and 'gal' meaning 'valor' or 'bravery'. Another possible origin is from the Old English word 'rygeleah', meaning 'rye clearing', which refers to a clearing in the woods where rye was grown.; American Names; Australian Names; Canadian Names; Celtic Names; English Names; Gaelic Names; Irish Names; Old English Names; Place Names; Surname Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Riley: Reilly; Ryley
Popularity of Riley: The popularity of the name 'Riley' has seen a significant increase in recent years. In the United States, it first gained popularity as a given name for boys in the late 20th century. However, it is now more commonly used as a given name for girls. In 2020, 'Riley' was ranked as the 26th most popular name for girls in the United States.; Riley currently has 566 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name Steve is slightly more popular than Riley.

Etymology of Riley

The etymology of the name 'Riley' can be traced back to different linguistic origins. In its Irish origin, the name is derived from the Gaelic word 'raghallach', which means 'valiant' or 'courageous'. In its Old English origin, the name is derived from the words 'ryge' meaning 'rye' and 'leah' meaning 'clearing', which gives it the meaning 'rye clearing'.

Cultural Significance of Riley

The name 'Riley' does not hold specific cultural significance or symbolism in any particular culture. However, it is widely used in English-speaking countries and has become a popular choice for parents seeking a gender-neutral name.