Riley Name Meaning

The name Riley means “courageous” or “rye clearing.” It is often associated with someone who is brave and confident.

Origins of the Name Riley

The name Riley is of Irish origin and was originally a surname. It was popularized as a first name in the late 20th century and is often used as a unisex name.

The Popularity of the Name Riley

Riley has been a popular name in the United States since the late 20th century. In recent years, it has risen in popularity, ranking in the top 100 names for boys and girls in the United States.

Final Thoughts on the Name Riley

Riley may be a name with roots in courage, but it’s also a name with a lighthearted spirit! With a meaning that highlights bravery and confidence, this name is perfect for parents who want their little one to grow up with a positive outlook on life. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to be associated with a “rye clearing”? With a name like Riley, your child is sure to clear their way through life with ease. “Excuse me, I’m looking for Timmy. Oh wait, there he is – he’s the one cowering in the corner. My child Riley? They’re the one fearlessly tackling every challenge that comes their way.”

Infographic of Riley name meaning, which is Derived from the English surname Reilly meaning rye clearing, Riley is also a place name.
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Riley Name Popularity

How popular is the name Riley? Here’s everything we know.

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 302 33 0.0094%
1911 493 11 0.003%
1912 392 56 0.0111%
1913 430 61 0.0108%
1914 547 48 0.0069%
1915 438 112 0.0123%
1916 447 115 0.0119%
1917 467 109 0.0109%
1918 445 132 0.0123%
1919 415 158 0.0151%
1920 449 141 0.0127%
1921 472 131 0.0114%
1922 467 139 0.0125%
1923 463 135 0.0121%
1924 482 129 0.0111%
1925 497 113 0.01%
1926 447 143 0.013%
1927 458 139 0.0126%
1928 473 129 0.0121%
1929 476 119 0.0115%
1930 451 133 0.0127%
1931 474 104 0.0105%
1932 488 101 0.0102%
1933 435 118 0.0127%
1934 432 129 0.0133%
1935 460 113 0.0116%
1936 461 111 0.0115%
1937 478 100 0.0101%
1938 490 104 0.0102%
1939 489 98 0.0096%
1940 474 107 0.0101%
1941 448 132 0.0117%
1942 482 121 0.0096%
1943 487 124 0.0095%
1944 489 114 0.0092%
1945 499 107 0.0088%
1946 506 125 0.0085%
1947 499 142 0.0085%
1948 499 135 0.0085%
1949 504 131 0.0081%
1950 587 90 0.0056%
1951 545 113 0.0067%
1952 540 126 0.0072%
1953 575 113 0.0064%
1954 602 106 0.0058%
1955 644 88 0.0048%
1956 668 84 0.0044%
1957 635 100 0.0052%
1958 715 65 0.0034%
1959 695 78 0.0041%
1960 787 52 0.0027%
1961 748 60 0.0032%
1962 745 64 0.0035%
1963 825 43 0.0024%
1964 800 48 0.0027%
1965 1,143 14 0.0009%
1966 797 43 0.0028%
1967 957 22 0.0014%
1968 762 51 0.0034%
1969 858 41 0.0027%
1970 1,146 20 0.0013%
1971 812 57 0.0038%
1972 888 40 0.0029%
1973 878 41 0.0032%
1974 970 33 0.0025%
1975 922 41 0.0032%
1976 1,154 21 0.0016%
1977 828 61 0.0045%
1978 696 98 0.0073%
1979 699 103 0.0073%
1980 740 92 0.0063%
1981 659 120 0.0082%
1982 616 148 0.0099%
1983 600 153 0.0104%
1984 533 213 0.0143%
1985 481 278 0.0183%
1986 433 348 0.0231%
1987 395 438 0.0287%
1988 384 483 0.031%
1989 340 643 0.0398%
1990 309 792 0.0478%
1991 292 849 0.0521%
1992 266 1,038 0.065%
1993 216 1,362 0.0874%
1994 194 1,575 0.1026%
1995 170 1,906 0.1265%
1996 146 2,379 0.1589%
1997 135 2,829 0.1913%
1998 127 3,011 0.2012%
1999 127 2,966 0.1981%
2000 109 3,417 0.2237%
2001 105 3,645 0.2419%
2002 99 3,959 0.2642%
2003 104 4,073 0.2677%
2004 106 4,109 0.2696%
2005 106 4,110 0.2688%
2006 101 4,388 0.2802%
2007 109 3,969 0.2516%
2008 106 4,127 0.267%
2009 107 3,785 0.2532%
2010 105 3,638 0.2524%
2011 111 3,457 0.2426%
2012 133 2,873 0.2016%
2013 156 2,550 0.1791%
2014 174 2,437 0.1673%
2015 192 2,082 0.1431%
2016 224 1,696 0.1176%
2017 252 1,443 0.1034%
2018 248 1,438 0.1047%
2019 260 1,355 0.1001%
2020 257 1,312 0.1031%
2021 246 1,413 0.1156%
2022 226 1,574 0.1193%
2023 223 1,613 0.1246%

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Data via SSA.gov.

Names Like Riley

If you like Riley, you’ll love these other names like Riley.

What names sound like Riley?

If you like how Riley sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Riley.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Risley

Meadow with shrubs

English

Roley

Renowned land

German

What names are similar to Riley?

Find a name that’s like Riley, but just a little bit different.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Kiley

Narrow, straight

Gaelic

Ridley

Reed meadow

English

Ripley

Shouting man's meadow

English

Wiley

Crafty

English

Lists With Riley

Find inspiration in these baby boy name lists featuring the name Riley.

8 Comments

  1. We knew our baby would have red hair. It runs in both of our families and it was time for a new redhead. We also wanted to honor our Irish/Scottish descent. We both loved the name Riley and thought it would be perfect for our baby. We wanted something to go along with his family middle name, Lawrence. His nickname is Ry-Ry or Ry.

    Reply

    • That’s quite the horrible nick-name

      Reply

      • Mind you’re own business! My nephew’s name is Riley and we call him Ry. Get lost

        Reply

      • I’m surprised you had the audacity to say that. My name is Kyla and people call me Ky and Ky-Ky.

        Reply

  2. Love it all

    Reply

  3. I love unisex names for boys and girls.

    I love that it’s for both sex’s but I dislike that people mistake my son for a girl.

    Riley is a big blessing in my eyes.

    Reply

  4. I chose Riley because it was a name that I had always liked. I was suppose to have a girl but when the time came to have my baby he came out a boy!.
    I don’t dislike anything about his name it suits Him well.

    Reply

  5. Sad times flying bye hes getting teeth and so loving he gives hug and kisses I wish I could freeze time

    Reply

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