Riley
Gender: Mostly Girl
Meaning: Courageous; rye clearing; valiant
Origin: Irish Gaelic — from Ó Raghallaigh (descendant of Raghallach), meaning valiant or courageous
Popularity: Ranked #48 in 2025 with 4,441 babies born.
History: Riley is an Irish surname with Gaelic roots in courage and valor. It crossed into first-name use in the 20th century and became one of the most successful gender-neutral names of the modern era. It entered the top 50 for girls in the early 2000s and has remained there, while also staying popular for boys. The Pixar film Inside Out (2015) featured a protagonist named Riley, cementing it in a generation's imagination as a name associated with emotional honesty and resilience. The phrase 'the life of Riley' — meaning a life of ease and pleasure — gives it an additional sunny connotation.
Famous people named Riley: Riley Curry (celebrity kid), Riley from Inside Out (Pixar)
Name length: 5 letters
How common is Riley? About 1 in 545 babies born in 2025 were named Riley, or roughly 16.7 per day in the United States.
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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?
Riley ranked #48 in 2025 — given to 4,441 babies that year.
When was Riley most popular?
Riley peaked in 2016 with 7,159 babies registered that year.
Is Riley a boy or girl name?
Riley is used for both boys and girls. In the records, about 43% of Rileys are boys and 57% are girls.
Is the name Riley rising or falling in popularity?
Riley has fallen 15 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #33 in 2020 to #48 in 2025.
How long has Riley been recorded?
Riley appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.