Reilly

“descendant of Raghallach.”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

♂ 45% boys♀ 55% girls

#2427US 2023

56Births / yr

↑Rising

9.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 197800.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Reilly

rie-lee

/rie-lee/ · · 2 syllables

“descendant of Raghallach.”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Reilly right now?

Rising fast — up 82 spots — currently #2427 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#2427 · Top 1.8%

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Reilly

Best Year2000Rank #795

Peak Count289

Average Rank#2895

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1980 - 202312 years

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:

Emily Hannah Samantha Sarah Ashley

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?

Common

ReiReieRey

What names sound and feel like Reilly?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Reilly also consider these

Keilly

Ireland · Descendant of Caoinlean,

Reily

American · courageous

Reilley

Ireland · Courageous

Heilly

American · Graceful one

Reiley

American · Courageous, Valorous

Ireland · bright, shining one

How is Reilly written in other languages?

Gender variants of Reilly

Rylee ENGLISH Ryleigh ENGLISH Rylie ENGLISH

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.