Riley: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced RY-lee · 2 syllables
Riley means “courageous”, from Irish.
* From Ryley in Lancashire, from Old English ryge (“rye”) + leah (“clearing, meadow”). Equivalent to rye + -ley (“lea”). * A variant of Reilly, from Irish O Raghallaigh (see O'Reilly).
- Meaning
- courageous
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- RY-lee
- US rank (2025)
- #48
- US babies a year
- about 6,647 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2000
How popular is Riley?
Riley was the #48 name in the US in 2025, given to 6,107 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2000.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #48 |
| England & Wales | #67 |
| Scotland | #67 |
| Northern Ireland | #73 |
| Ireland | #188 |
| France | #672 |
| Canada | #74 |
| Australia | #55 |
How old are people named Riley?
Half of US adults named Riley are older than 24; most are between 18 and 40. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Riley
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Riley have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Riley
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Riley
What does the name Riley mean?
Riley means “courageous”. It comes from Irish.
How do you pronounce Riley?
Riley is pronounced RY-lee.
How popular is the name Riley?
Riley was the #48 name in the US in 2025, given to 6,107 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2000.
How old are people named Riley?
Half of US adults named Riley are older than 24. Most are between 18 and 40.