What does Reilly mean and where does it come from?
Reilly is of Irish origin and originally a surname derived from the Gaelic 'Ó Raghallaigh,' meaning 'descendant of Raghallach.' It has become popular as a given name for girls, especially in the United States. The name Reilly has been used since the 1990s as a modern alternative for traditional Iris
Cultural significance
Reilly has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.
Peak popularity
Reached #623 in 1998 — currently #2427 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Reilly?
Reilly works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Reilly Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Reilly Rose
Floral · soft ending
Reilly Mae
Sweet · timeless
Reilly Claire
French influence · crisp
Reilly Jane
Literary · strong
Reilly Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Reilly right now?
Rising fast — up 82 spots — currently #2427 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2427 | 56 | ▲ up 82 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #2509 | 55 | ▼ down 191 · -8% births |
| 2021 | #2318 | 60 | ▼ down 114 · -26% births |
| 2020 | #2204 | 81 | ▼ down 66 · -9% births |
| 2015 | #2138 | 89 | ▼ down 561 · -36% births |
| 2010 | #1577 | 139 | ▼ down 564 · -42% births |
| 2005 | #1013 | 241 | ▼ down 218 · -17% births |
| 2000 | #795 | 289 | ▲ up 956 · +248% births |
| 1995 | #1751 | 83 | ▲ up 634 · +60% births |
| 1990 | #2385 | 52 | ▲ up 6224 · +643% births |
| 1985 | #8609 | 7 | ▼ down 1591 · -22% births |
| 1980 | #7018 | 9 | — |
The story of Reilly
Reilly is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1978. With 9,511 total births recorded, Reilly remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7018 in 1980 to #2427 in 2023. Reilly is used for both genders: 55% female and 45% male.
Names that peaked alongside Reilly in 1998:
Reilly by decade
Reilly peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 13 | |
| 1970s | 24 | |
| 1980s | 315 | |
| 1990s | 2,627 | |
| 2000s ★ | 4,349 | |
| 2010s | 2,051 | |
| 2020s | 132 | |
💎With 9,511 total births, Reilly is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Reilly?
What names sound and feel like Reilly?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Reilly also consider these
How is Reilly written in other languages?
Gender variants of Reilly
Common questions about the name Reilly
What does the name Reilly mean?
Reilly means "Irish" — 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 Reilly?
Reilly is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Reilly?
Reilly 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 Reilly a common or rare name?
Reilly is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Reilly more of a girl or boy name?
Reilly is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.