What does Reilley mean and where does it come from?
Reilley is a variant of the Irish surname O'Reilly, which means 'descendant of Raghallach'. The name Raghallach itself comes from the Gaelic word 'raigh', meaning 'king'. Although most commonly used as a surname, Reilley has been adopted as a first name, particularly in the United States since the l
Cultural significance
Reilley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of courageous.
Peak popularity
Reached #6479 in 1997 — currently #1656 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Reilley?
Reilley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Reilley Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Reilley Rose
Floral · soft ending
Reilley Mae
Sweet · timeless
Reilley Claire
French influence · crisp
Reilley Jane
Literary · strong
Reilley Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Reilley right now?
Holding steady — currently #1656 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1656 | 544 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1661 | 524 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1666 | 494 | ▲ up 14260 · +8133% births |
| 2010 | #15926 | 6 | ▼ down 4373 · -33% births |
| 2005 | #11553 | 9 | ▼ down 3069 · -25% births |
| 2000 | #8484 | 12 | — |
The story of Reilley
Reilley is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1996. With 287 total births recorded, Reilley remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8484 in 2000 to #1656 in 2023. Reilley is used for both genders: 63% female and 37% male.
Names that peaked alongside Reilley in 1997:
💎Reilley has only 287 total recorded births since 1996 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Reilley?
What names sound and feel like Reilley?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Reilley also consider these
Common questions about the name Reilley
What does the name Reilley mean?
Reilley means "Courageous" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Reilley?
Reilley is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Reilley?
Reilley originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Reilley a common or rare name?
Reilley is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Reilley more of a girl or boy name?
Reilley is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.