Riley vs Ian

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Ian

Boy #75 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"God is gracious"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Cultural Roots

Scottish British Irish American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#75
Total SSA Count
4,547
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

All Clear

Popularity Comparison

Riley Rank #229
Ian Rank #75

Ian is more popular, ranked #75 vs #229 for Riley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Riley or Ian more popular?

Ian is more popular, ranked #75 compared to Riley at #229 in the United States.

What do Riley and Ian mean?

Riley means "courageous, valiant" (Irish origin). Ian means "God is gracious" (Scottish Gaelic origin).

Are Riley and Ian boy or girl names?

Riley is primarily a boy name. Ian is primarily a boy name.

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