- Riley Name Origin: Irish
- Pronunciation: ry-lee
- See what 27 people think about Riley
Riley Name Meaning
A perky name with surname roots, Riley is a derivative of the English name Reilly. She’s akin to chart climbers Avery and Sadie with her peppy -ee ending, keeping her light and airy. At the same time she’s intensely Irish like Kerry and Rory.
Riley is undoubtedly modern, standing apart from the vintage classics making a comeback and the timeless chart rulers that have been around for decades. She’s a little girl through and through, but she isn’t afraid to get messy if it means having some fun. Easygoing and approachable, Riley’s got the girl-next-door appeal that’s hard to find but a treasure once found. Everyone could know a Riley, whether she’s captain of the cheerleading squad or the debate team captain.
Her unisex style mirrors Quinn and Parker while her surname history are on-trend with Harper and Madison. Rhyming twins Miley and Kylie keep her company on the charts, but she’s heads above them when it comes to popularity.
Different spellings include Rylie, Ryleigh, and Rilee while variations of the name like Rylan have been catching on as well. Similar feeling R names include Remi, Ruby, and Romy while Lucy, Zoe, and Ellie have the same short, spunky feel.
Riley Name Popularity
How popular is the name Riley? Here’s everything we know.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1911 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1912 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1913 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1914 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1915 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1916 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1917 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1918 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1919 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1920 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1921 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1922 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1923 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1924 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1925 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1926 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1927 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1928 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1929 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1930 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1931 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1932 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1933 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1934 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1935 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1936 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1937 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1938 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1939 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1940 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1941 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1942 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1943 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1944 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1945 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1946 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1947 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1948 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1949 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1950 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1951 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1952 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1953 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1954 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1955 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1956 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1957 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1958 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1959 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1960 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1961 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1962 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1963 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1964 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1965 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1966 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1967 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1968 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1969 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1970 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1971 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1972 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1973 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1974 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1975 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1976 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1977 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1978 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1979 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1980 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1981 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1982 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1983 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1984 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1985 | 1,995 | 18 | 0.0012% |
| 1986 | 1,521 | 37 | 0.0025% |
| 1987 | 1,534 | 39 | 0.0026% |
| 1988 | 1,368 | 53 | 0.0034% |
| 1989 | 1,123 | 98 | 0.0061% |
| 1990 | 869 | 176 | 0.0106% |
| 1991 | 728 | 244 | 0.015% |
| 1992 | 558 | 377 | 0.0236% |
| 1993 | 456 | 510 | 0.0327% |
| 1994 | 348 | 726 | 0.0473% |
| 1995 | 287 | 938 | 0.0622% |
| 1996 | 242 | 1,129 | 0.0754% |
| 1997 | 184 | 1,641 | 0.111% |
| 1998 | 166 | 1,863 | 0.1245% |
| 1999 | 137 | 2,312 | 0.1544% |
| 2000 | 131 | 2,542 | 0.1664% |
| 2001 | 106 | 3,041 | 0.2018% |
| 2002 | 77 | 3,905 | 0.2606% |
| 2003 | 72 | 4,242 | 0.2788% |
| 2004 | 58 | 4,982 | 0.3269% |
| 2005 | 54 | 5,124 | 0.3351% |
| 2006 | 56 | 5,055 | 0.3228% |
| 2007 | 52 | 5,208 | 0.3301% |
| 2008 | 39 | 5,768 | 0.3732% |
| 2009 | 38 | 5,629 | 0.3766% |
| 2010 | 40 | 5,537 | 0.3842% |
| 2011 | 47 | 5,031 | 0.3531% |
| 2012 | 47 | 4,821 | 0.3383% |
| 2013 | 45 | 4,931 | 0.3463% |
| 2014 | 47 | 4,786 | 0.3285% |
| 2015 | 35 | 5,726 | 0.3935% |
| 2016 | 22 | 7,131 | 0.4946% |
| 2017 | 25 | 6,343 | 0.4545% |
| 2018 | 28 | 5,976 | 0.435% |
| 2019 | 30 | 5,676 | 0.4193% |
| 2020 | 33 | 5,218 | 0.4099% |
| 2021 | 39 | 4,784 | 0.3914% |
| 2022 | 39 | 4,876 | 0.3696% |
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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 are variants of Riley?
Mix it up with these names that are a variation of the name Riley.
| Name | Meaning | Origin | Popularity | Other Gender |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reilley |
Courageous |
Irish |
||
| Reilly |
Courageous |
Irish |
|
|
| Rilee |
Courageous |
Irish |
|
|
| Rileigh |
Courageous |
Irish |
|
|
| Rylee |
Rye clearing |
Irish |
|
|
| Ryley |
Courageous |
Irish |
|
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaylee |
Pure |
English |
|
|
| Kylie |
Boomerang |
Aboriginal |
|
|
| Miley |
Smiley |
American |
|
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| Raleigh |
Roe deer's meadow |
English |
|
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ava |
To live |
Latin |
|
|
| Avery |
Elf counsel |
English |
|
|
| Bella |
Beautiful one |
Italian |
|
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| Callie |
Beautiful one |
Greek |
|
| Chloe |
Green sprout |
Greek |
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota |
Friend and ally |
Native American |
|
|
| Ellie |
Shortened form of El- names |
English |
|
|
| Gemma |
Precious stone |
Italian |
|
|
| Harper |
Harp Player |
English |
|
|
| Madison |
Son of Maud |
English |
|
Lists With Riley
Find inspiration in these baby girl name lists featuring the name Riley.
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-
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Soft girl names perfectly suit a little girl ready for life’s adventures. Check out our list of gentle picks, including darling meanings, faraway origins, and so much more.
-
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Car names for girls have a need for speed and a thirst for adventure. Get to know them with us as we race through luxury picks and racecar cuties.
-
Baddie Names for Girls That Suit Your Little Spitfire // 190 names
Walk on the wild side with baddie names for girls. These rowdy rebels are the perfect choice for a little one determined to forge her own path. Discover this style with us.
Siblings of Riley
Mamas with kids named Riley also have kids with these names.
| Name | Meaning | Origin | Popularity | Other Gender |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corbin |
Raven |
English |
|
|
| Aria |
Vocal solo |
English |
|
27 Comments
Katie
I’ve always loved the name Riley for a girl – I feel like it’s somewhat rare but also not eccentric!
Riley
Hi im Riley and im scotish my name is spelt the same in English more than 10 languages! I was born beffore inside out was created and i still love my name
Riley
My name is Riley and I love my name I used to hate it because I thought I was tho ONLY girl with my name but now I’m so proud of it
corimyah
corimyah
Brittany
My husband and I spent my entire pregnancy going back and forth discussing names and we couldn’t agree on one. One day my husband went fishing with a young kid that my mother (a teacher) had in school – his name is Riley. On the way home from fishing he said “I like the name Riley” and I was in shock because it’s the first name that we both liked. To me Riley the girl is laid back but spunky… and OH so smily!!! Our baby girl is full of personality, smiles constantly and loves to explore. I couldn’t picture her as anything other than Riley. It also goes along nicely with her middle name Bea (after my Grandma Beatrice) who was also a very spunky lady full of personality.
Riley
I would love my name if it weren’t for the nicknames I ended up with! ‘Ry’ and ‘Ryry’ are the most embarrassing nicknames! But if I get my dream job as a writer it will be unique and easy to remember for those who like me (if there will be any!).
Shelly
First heard it in the movie Inside Out and we really liked it. We already knew Rose would be the middle name and we liked the alliteration.
Andrea
Gma’s maiden name that just passed right before her birth.
Dislike that everyone thinks she has a boys name
Patricia
Its cute and unisex
Sean
It’s not unisex just because you say it is. It’s a surname.
Kelsey
It means valiant. I knew this girl was going to be strong and courageous do this name fits her so well! Plus, it’s not super common which I appreciate!
Riley
My name is Riley, when my parents named me almost none was named Riley, but suddenly, everywhere I go there is a few Rileys. I still love my name, and would never change it.
Audience
Just loved the name
Stephanie
My husband gave her first name. I let my oldest daughter chose her middle name which they both share( Elizabeth)
Kim Cole
I think it is a beautiful name for a girl and I just love it wouldn’t want any other name for her
Alexandria
I love her name Riley Nevada. I wish I would have spelled it a little different (rylie). Play with the spelling you might find the way you love it.
Samanta
I chose the name Riley because I was looking for a name that meant courageous.
Jamie
How she got her name was because of me I was one of the first babies to survive liver cancer . Riley hospital saved my life!!! I’m forever grateful for them … I was always told I wouldn’t be able to have kids now I have two ?? there both my miracle babies and had c section with both I feel truly blessed and glad to have both my girls wouldn’t have it any other way !! That’s how I got Riley & Gracie name is cause she is a grace of God ????????? #LoveMyFamily #LoveTheMomLife
Johnny
How sweet!! Blessings to you and your family??
Vereya Sharashkina
Oh, I am happy for you! I love the name Riley too. Blessings!
Jamie rasnake
I want a name that u dont hear much. So thats when i came up with riley
jojo
I grew up with a unique name and wanted the same for my daughter. My husbands middle name is Riley and it was his grandmothers maiden name as well
Maya
I just love the name and the fact it can be for a boy or a girl. It also means ‘carefree and that’s what I want my child to be as she grows.
D'Ayrra Phillips
Actually my mother picked the name Riley. She was watching hallmark and a movie that she was watching a lady name was Riley. She also chose that name because it was simple and not to flamboyant
Samanta
I chose the name Riley because I was originally looking for a name that means warrior but didn’t like them so when I looked for courage or courageous Riley came up meaning valiant which is a synonym for courage. I like it because we don’t know anyone named Riley and our intent is for her to be brave and courageous. Since having her I can see she will definitely be that and more.
Riley
My mom chose my name because she thought it meant stubborn, and I am very, very stubborn!
Sara
My husband and I both loved the name Riley before we even got pregnant. We watched Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ and that’s the name of the girl in it. After the movie we decided Riley was a good baby name and years later, when we found out we were having a girl, we were set.
I love the name because it’s not overly cutesie. It means valiant and courageous, and is a strong, sturdy name.