Derek vs Riley

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Derek

Boy #258 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"ruler of the people"

Origin: Germanic

English American Dutch German

✓ All Clear

Boy #229 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"courageous, valiant"

Origin: Irish

Irish English American

✓ All Clear

Derek Rank #258

Riley Rank #229

Riley is more popular, ranked #229 vs #258 for Derek.

Is Derek or Riley more popular?

Riley is more popular, ranked #229 compared to Derek at #258 in the United States.

What do Derek and Riley mean?

Derek means "ruler of the people" (Germanic origin). Riley means "courageous, valiant" (Irish origin).

Are Derek and Riley boy or girl names?

Derek is primarily a boy name. Riley is primarily a boy name.