Riley
“Courageous, Valiant” — A beautiful name of Irish origin
📊 Popularity Over Time
Popularity data sourced from the U.S. Social Security Administration.
📖 Name Meaning & History
Riley is a spirited Irish name meaning "courageous" and "valiant." It has a sunny, friendly energy that makes it instantly likable. Riley is the name of the upbeat kid in every story — ready for adventure, quick to make friends, and always up for fun.
Riley comes from the Irish surname Ó Raghallaigh, meaning descendant of the courageous one. It was used primarily for boys until the 2000s when it became hugely popular for girls too. Pixar's Inside Out (2015) featured Riley Anderson as the protagonist, boosting its appeal even further.
🌟 Personality Traits
💜 Middle Names for Riley
👫 Sibling Names
😊 Nicknames for Riley
🌍 Riley in Other Languages
⭐ Famous People Named Riley
Riley Keough
American actress and granddaughter of Elvis Presley
Riley Anderson
Protagonist of Pixar's Inside Out
Riley Curry
Daughter of NBA star Stephen Curry
📚 Create a Magical Story Starring Riley!
Imagine Riley as the hero of their very own illustrated adventure. AI-generated, beautifully illustrated, uniquely theirs.
Create at KidzTale →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Riley mean?
Riley is a Irish name meaning "Courageous, Valiant." Riley is a spirited Irish name meaning "courageous" and "valiant." It has a sunny, friendly energy that makes it instantly likable. It's a beautiful choice for parents who value irish heritage and meaningful names.
Is Riley a popular baby name?
Riley is very popular, currently ranking around #36 in the United States. Its consistent popularity shows lasting appeal.
What are good middle names for Riley?
Great middle names for Riley include Riley Rose, Riley Grace, Riley Mae. Since Riley is short, longer middle names create a nice rhythm.
What names go well with Riley for siblings?
Names that pair beautifully with Riley include Avery, Bailey, Casey, Morgan. Choose sibling names with a similar irish feel or matching elegance for a cohesive set.