Reilly

Pronunciation: [ r-EYEL-ee ]

Girl Name #2,728 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Living the life of Reilly — Irish courage with an easy smile

Irish American Australian

Modern Playful Strong Earthy

Meaning & Origin

"courageous, valiant"

Origin: Irish Gaelic

Language: Irish

The Story of Reilly

Reilly is an Irish surname-turned-forename, an anglicization of the Gaelic O Raghallaigh meaning descendant of Raghallach, where Raghallach is thought to mean courageous or valiant. The O'Reilly clan was one of the most powerful in Connacht, ruling the kingdom of Breifne for centuries. The phrase living the life of Riley (also spelled Reilly) — meaning an easy, carefree existence — adds a warmly positive colloquial association to the name.

Reilly is the less common but more distinctly Irish spelling of the Riley/Rylee wave that surged in the 2000s-2010s. It signals Irish heritage while fitting seamlessly into contemporary naming trends.

The O'Reilly clan dominated east Connacht for over 600 years, with their stronghold at Cavan. Saying someone is living the life of Riley or Reilly is a phrase that entered American English in the early 20th century, possibly from a music hall song about a man named Riley who lived in luxury.

Fun Facts

The phrase 'the life of Riley' (also Reilly) entered American slang around 1900, meaning a comfortable, luxurious existence
The O'Reilly clan (Reilly) ruled the Kingdom of Breifne in Connacht for over six centuries, making them one of Ireland's most powerful Gaelic dynasties

Reilly in Other Languages

Irish Ó Raghallaigh

French Reilly

German Reilly

Spanish Reilly

Famous People Named Reilly

Reilly (Irish clan)

Other

The O'Reilly clan, rulers of the Kingdom of Breifne in Connacht, one of the most powerful Gaelic dynasties of medieval I...

The O'Reilly clan, rulers of the Kingdom of Breifne in Connacht, one of the most powerful Gaelic dynasties of medieval Ireland

Riley Freeman Fictional

Other

Protagonist of The Boondocks animated series — actually 'Riley' but all spellings are associated

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #2,728
Total SSA Count: 63
Cultural Origins: Irish American Australian
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Rei Reil

Pairs Well With

Reilly Grace Reilly Ann Reilly Mae Reilly Kate Reilly Claire Reilly Rose

Sibling Names

Finn Caitlin Declan Sienna Aidan Molly

Also a Boy Name

Reilly is also used as a boy name, ranked #2800.

View Reilly as a boy name →

Similar Names

Wiley Raleigh Wylie Miley Haley Halley Ridley Harley

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Frequently Asked Questions About Reilly

What does the name Reilly mean?

"courageous, valiant" (from Irish Gaelic). Reilly is an Irish surname-turned-forename, an anglicization of the Gaelic O Raghallaigh meaning descendant of Raghallach, where Raghallach is thought to mean courageous or valiant. The O'Reilly clan was one of the most powerful in Connacht, ruling the kingdom of Breifne for centuries. The phrase living the life of Riley (also spelled Reilly) — meaning an easy, carefree existence — adds a warmly positive colloquial association to the name.

What is the origin of the name Reilly?

Reilly has Irish Gaelic, Irish, American, and Australian origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "courageous, valiant".

Is Reilly a boy or girl name?

Reilly is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2728. As a boy name, it is ranked #2800. Reilly is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Reilly?

Reilly is pronounced r-EYEL-ee.

How popular is the name Reilly?

Reilly is currently ranked #2728 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Reilly?

Common nicknames for Reilly include Rei and Reil.

What are good middle names for Reilly?

Popular middle name pairings include Reilly Grace, Reilly Ann, Reilly Mae, Reilly Kate, Reilly Claire, and Reilly Rose.

What are good sibling names for Reilly?

Names that pair well with Reilly as siblings include Finn, Caitlin, Declan, Sienna, Aidan, and Molly.

How many syllables does Reilly have?

Reilly has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Reilly a common or rare name?

Reilly is an uncommon name, ranked #2728 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Reilly

Reilly is a girl name with Irish, American, and Australian origins . The name means "courageous, valiant" in Irish Gaelic .

Is Reilly a boy or girl name? Reilly is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,728 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #2,800. Reilly is more commonly used as a girl name.

Reilly is currently ranked #2,728 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Reilly has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-EYEL-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Reilly include Rei and Reil. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.