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 — 33 0.0094%
1911 — 11 0.003%
1912 — 56 0.0111%
1913 — 61 0.0108%
1914 — 48 0.0069%
1915 — 112 0.0123%
1916 — 115 0.0119%
1917 — 109 0.0109%
1918 — 132 0.0123%
1919 — 158 0.0151%
1920 — 141 0.0127%
1921 — 131 0.0114%
1922 — 139 0.0125%
1923 — 135 0.0121%
1924 — 129 0.0111%
1925 — 113 0.01%
1926 — 143 0.013%
1927 — 139 0.0126%
1928 — 129 0.0121%
1929 — 119 0.0115%
1930 — 133 0.0127%
1931 — 104 0.0105%
1932 — 101 0.0102%
1933 — 118 0.0127%
1934 — 129 0.0133%
1935 — 113 0.0116%
1936 — 111 0.0115%
1937 — 100 0.0101%
1938 — 104 0.0102%
1939 — 98 0.0096%
1940 — 107 0.0101%
1941 — 132 0.0117%
1942 — 121 0.0096%
1943 — 124 0.0095%
1944 — 114 0.0092%
1945 — 107 0.0088%
1946 — 125 0.0085%
1947 — 142 0.0085%
1948 — 135 0.0085%
1949 — 131 0.0081%
1950 — 90 0.0056%
1951 — 113 0.0067%
1952 — 126 0.0072%
1953 — 113 0.0064%
1954 — 106 0.0058%
1955 — 88 0.0048%
1956 — 84 0.0044%
1957 — 100 0.0052%
1958 — 65 0.0034%
1959 — 78 0.0041%
1960 — 52 0.0027%
1961 — 60 0.0032%
1962 — 64 0.0035%
1963 — 43 0.0024%
1964 — 48 0.0027%
1965 — 14 0.0009%
1966 — 43 0.0028%
1967 — 22 0.0014%
1968 — 51 0.0034%
1969 — 41 0.0027%
1970 — 20 0.0013%
1971 — 57 0.0038%
1972 — 40 0.0029%
1973 — 41 0.0032%
1974 — 33 0.0025%
1975 — 41 0.0032%
1976 — 21 0.0016%
1977 — 61 0.0045%
1978 — 98 0.0073%
1979 — 103 0.0073%
1980 — 92 0.0063%
1981 — 120 0.0082%
1982 — 148 0.0099%
1983 — 153 0.0104%
1984 — 213 0.0143%
1985 — 278 0.0183%
1986 — 348 0.0231%
1987 — 438 0.0287%
1988 — 483 0.031%
1989 — 643 0.0398%
1990 — 792 0.0478%
1991 — 849 0.0521%
1992 — 1,038 0.065%
1993 — 1,362 0.0874%
1994 — 1,575 0.1026%
1995 — 1,906 0.1265%
1996 — 2,379 0.1589%
1997 — 2,829 0.1913%
1998 — 3,011 0.2012%
1999 — 2,966 0.1981%
2000 — 3,417 0.2237%
2001 — 3,645 0.2419%
2002 — 3,959 0.2642%
2003 — 4,073 0.2677%
2004 — 4,109 0.2696%
2005 — 4,110 0.2688%
2006 — 4,388 0.2802%
2007 — 3,969 0.2516%
2008 — 4,127 0.267%
2009 — 3,785 0.2532%
2010 — 3,638 0.2524%
2011 — 3,457 0.2426%
2012 — 2,873 0.2016%
2013 — 2,550 0.1791%
2014 — 2,437 0.1673%
2015 — 2,082 0.1431%
2016 — 1,696 0.1176%
2017 — 1,443 0.1034%
2018 — 1,438 0.1047%
2019 — 1,355 0.1001%
2020 — 1,312 0.1031%
2021 — 1,413 0.1156%
2022 — 1,574 0.1193%
2023 — 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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