Riley: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Riley mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

Irish: Courageous, valiant
English: Rye clearing

Gender: Female, unisex

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Riley is pronounced rye-lee

The name Riley has Irish and English origins, meaning "valiant", derived from the Old Irish surname Ó Raghallaigh, with Raghallach originating from a man who died in the Battle of Clontarf. In English, Riley can also mean "rye clearing," which refers to a location where rye is grown. Due to its appealing sound and significant meanings, Riley has become a popular name for both boys and girls.

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Riley mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning:

Irish: Courageous, valiant
English: Rye clearing

Gender: Male, unisex

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Riley is pronounced rye-lee

The name Riley holds both Irish and English origins, derived from the Old Irish surname Ó Raghallaigh, where Raghallach means "valiant" or "courageous." In English, Riley also signifies "rye clearing," referring to a place where rye is cultivated. This versatility in meaning aligns with its gender-neutral appeal, making Riley a favored choice for many parents of boys or girls.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Irish: variant spelling of Reilly.

English: habitational name from Ryley in Lancashire, so named from Old English ryge "rye" + lēah "wood", "clearing." There is a Riley with the same meaning in Devon, but it does not seem to have contributed to the surname, which is more common in northern England.

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Mare Winningham

Riley in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Riley Matthews from Girl Meets World - Riley Matthews is the main character in this Disney Channel series, navigating adolescence with her friends and family.
Riley Finn from Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Riley Finn is a character who becomes a love interest for Buffy and is part of a secret military initiative.
Riley Andersen from Inside Out - Riley Andersen is the young girl whose emotions are depicted in this animated Pixar film.
Riley Blue from Sense8 - Riley Blue is a DJ from Iceland and one of the eight central characters in this sci-fi series.
Riley Freeman from The Boondocks - Riley Freeman is a rebellious young boy with a penchant for trouble, providing comic relief in this animated series.

Popularity of the Name Riley

According to Social Security Administration data, Riley has been a consistently popular name in recent years. During 2023, Riley was ranked amongst the top 100 most popular names for girls and among the top 250 names for boys in the U.S. The name Riley has both Irish and English origins, meaning "valiant" or "courageous."

Historically, Riley is a unisex name, with early usage dating back to the Middle Ages in Ireland. Notable individuals with the name include Riley Keough, an actress and model, and Riley Smith, an actor known for his roles in various television series. Fictional characters named Riley have appeared in media such as the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the animated film Inside Out. The name's versatility and modern appeal have made it a favorite choice for parents over the past few decades.