Riley
Riley is a girl's name of Irish origin.
Meaning
Courageous, valiant, or clearing in the woods.
Origin and history
Riley is derived from an Irish surname rooted in the Gaelic name Ó Raghallaigh, meaning descendant of Raghallach. Traditionally a surname and masculine given name, it transitioned into a highly popular unisex and feminine name in the United States starting in the late 20th century. Today, it remains a top-50 choice for baby girls in the U.S.
Popularity in the United States
141,960 babies in the United States have been named Riley since 1880. It ranks #284 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #40.
States where it is most popular
- CA (9.8 %)
- TX (7.4 %)
- NY (5.4 %)
- FL (5.4 %)
- PA (5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 11 |
| 1930-1940 | 11 |
| 1940-1950 | 21 |
| 1950-1960 | 18 |
| 1960-1970 | 11 |
| 1970-1980 | 72 |
| 1980-1990 | 680 |
| 1990-2000 | 10,234 |
| 2000-2010 | 45,533 |
| 2010-2019 | 56,150 |
| 2020-2029 | 29,219 |
Famous people named Riley
- Riley Keough: Actress, Director
Nicknames
Ry, Rye, Rylee
Fun facts
- Riley successfully transitioned from a common Irish surname to one of the most prominent given names for girls in the U.S.
- Although extremely popular for girls, Riley remains actively used for boys as well.