Reilley Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: RAY-lee //ˈreɪli//
Origin: Irish; Gaelic
Meaning: Irish: descendant of the rebel; Gaelic: courageous
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Reilley is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname "Ó Raghallaigh," which means "descendant of Raghallach." The name Raghallach itself is believed to be composed of the elements "ragh," meaning "race" or "impetuous," and "allach," which may refer to a person or a place. Over time, the surname evolved through various forms, including Reilly and O'Reilly, before being adapted into the given name Reilley in English-speaking contexts.
The transition from Gaelic to English occurred primarily during the 17th century, as English became more dominant in Ireland and the Anglicization of Irish names became common. Historically, the O'Reilly family was a prominent clan in County Cavan, Ireland, with roots tracing back to the medieval period.
The clan's significance is noted in various historical texts, including the Annals of the Four Masters, which document events from the 12th century onward. The O'Reillys were known for their leadership and influence in the region, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries, when they played a crucial role in local governance and resistance against English rule.
The name Reilly has been borne by notable figures, including the 17th-century poet and historian, John O'Reilly, who contributed to the preservation of Irish culture and language. Culturally, the name Reilley carries connotations of heritage and resilience, reflecting the rich history of the Irish people.
It is often associated with themes of nobility and strength, stemming from the legacy of the O'Reilly clan. The name has also been embraced in various forms of literature and art, symbolizing a connection to Irish identity and tradition.
While diminutive forms such as Rhea or Riley may exist, Reilley stands out as a distinct representation of its Gaelic roots, embodying the enduring spirit of Irish culture.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Reilley, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Reilley. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Reilley was first seen in the United States in 1996.
Reilley has ranked as high as #1325 nationally, which occurred in 2004, and has been most popular in .
In the past 5 years the name Reilley has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Reilley is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Reilley was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Reilley
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
No state data available for this year.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Reilley.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2009 | 11 |
| 2008 | 10 |
| 2006 | 13 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2004 | 17 |
| 2003 | 15 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2001 | 14 |
| 2000 | 12 |
| 1999 | 13 |
| 1998 | 15 |
| 1997 | 15 |
| 1996 | 5 |