Riley
Riley is an unisex name of Irish and Old English origin, meaning “Usually explained as 'valiant'; or 'rye clearing'”.
| Meaning | Usually explained as 'valiant'; or 'rye clearing' |
|---|---|
| Gender | Unisex |
| Origin | Irish and Old English |
| Pronunciation | RY-lee |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic |
| Used in | United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom |
Meaning and origin of Riley
Riley comes from two separate surnames. The Irish one is from Ó Raghallaigh, whose root is often explained as 'valiant', though its meaning is not certain. The English one comes from place names meaning 'rye clearing'. Riley became a popular first name in the United States in the 1990s for boys, and has since become even more common for girls.
Is Riley a religious name?
Riley has no religious background; it is a surname used as a given name.
How popular is Riley?
Popular for both boys and girls in English-speaking countries.
Gifts with the name Riley
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Spellings and variants of Riley
Names similar to Riley
More unisex names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Riley mean?
Riley means 'Usually explained as 'valiant'; or 'rye clearing''. It is of Irish and Old English origin.
Does Riley have a religious meaning?
Riley has no religious background; it is a surname used as a given name.
How do you pronounce Riley?
Riley is pronounced RY-lee.
Is Riley a boy or girl name?
Riley is used for both boys and girls.