Riley vs Theodore

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Riley

Girl #42 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"Courageous, valiant"

Origin: Irish

Cultural Roots

Irish English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#42
Total SSA Count
4,644
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Ri, Rile

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Riley →

Popularity Comparison

Riley Rank #42
Theodore Rank #4

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 vs #42 for Riley.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Riley ___

  • Riley Grace
  • Riley Mae
  • Riley Ann
  • Riley Jo
  • Riley Kate
  • Riley Claire

Theodore ___

  • Theodore James
  • Theodore William
  • Theodore Alexander
  • Theodore John
  • Theodore Henry
  • Theodore Arthur

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Riley

Avery Parker Quinn Logan Morgan

If you choose Theodore

Olivia Charlotte Amelia Eleanor Oliver

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Riley or Theodore more popular?

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 compared to Riley at #42 in the United States.

What do Riley and Theodore mean?

Riley means "Courageous, valiant" (Irish origin). Theodore means "divine gift" (Greek origin).

Are Riley and Theodore boy or girl names?

Riley is primarily a girl name. Theodore is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Riley ← Full profile: Theodore Browse all baby names