Riley
Meaning: Courageous; rye clearing; valiant
Origin: Irish Gaelic — from Ó Raghallaigh (descendant of Raghallach), meaning valiant or courageous
Gender: Unisex
Rank in Australia: #78
Total births: 8,239
History: Riley surged in the 2000s as a unisex name hugely popular in Australia. The name has a sporty, adventurous character. Riley represents the Australian love of gender-neutral names that work for both boys and girls — egalitarian naming for an egalitarian culture.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #66 |
| Babies named Riley in 2025 | 122 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 8,239 |
| Peak year | 2007 (575 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #6 |
| Years in records | 1996–2025 (30 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 13 spots |
Frequently asked about Riley
What does the name Riley mean?
Riley means “Courageous; rye clearing; valiant” from Irish Gaelic — from Ó Raghallaigh (descendant of Raghallach), meaning valiant or courageous roots.
What is the origin of the name Riley?
Riley has Irish Gaelic — from Ó Raghallaigh (descendant of Raghallach), meaning valiant or courageous origin. The traditional meaning is “Courageous; rye clearing; valiant”.
How popular is Riley in Australia?
Riley ranked #66 in Australia in 2025 — given to 122 babies that year.
When was Riley most popular?
Riley peaked in 2007 with 575 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Riley a boy or girl name?
Riley is predominantly a boys' name in Australia — over 90% of Rileys in registered births are male.
Is the name Riley rising or falling in popularity?
Riley has fallen 13 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #53 in 2020 to #66 in 2025.
How long has Riley been recorded in Australia?
Riley appears in birth records in Australia across 30 years — from 1996 through 2025.