Riley is a gender-neutral name of British and Irish origin. It has two primary meanings: "rye clearing" and "courageous" or "valiant". The name Riley has its roots in Old English and Gaelic languages. In the English tradition, it comes from the Old English terms "ryge" and "leah," meaning "wood" and "clearing". In the Irish tradition, Riley stems from the surname "Reilly," which is derived from the Gaelic word "Roghallach," meaning "valiant". The origin of the name Riley can be traced back to the habitational name from Ryley in Lancashire, England, which is made up of Old English "ryge" (rye) and "lēah" (wood or clearing). In Irish, the name is derived from "Ó Raghailligh," meaning "descendant of Raghailleach" and is associated with the Old Irish "Roghallach". Riley has been rising in popularity since the 1990s and early 2000s, initially as a boy's name but now more commonly used for girls and as a gender-neutral name. The name's association with the cereal grain rye, which thrives under difficult conditions, and its meaning of "courageous" or "valiant" make it a versatile and inspiring choice for both boys and girls.
Riley is currently #290 in the popularity of the name rankings.
Girl: Riley is currently #147 on Kiindred Girl Names
Overall Unique:
Riley is currently #287 on Kiindred Unique Names
Girl Unique:
Riley is currently #147 on Kiindred Girl Unique Names
This section lists notable individuals and public figures named Riley, showcasing their achievements and contributions in various fields.
