Riley Name Meaning

Riley is a unisex given name derived from a surname with two distinct historical sources. As an Irish surname, it is a variant of Reilly; as an English surname, it comes from a place name meaning rye clearing in Old English. Riley became increasingly popular as a first name for both boys and girls in the United States during the late 20th century. In modern American usage, it has often been more common for girls, while in some other English-speaking countries it remains more frequently masculine. The name has a friendly, energetic, and versatile style.

The name Riley is associated with Irish, Old English surname and place-name tradition, English.