Reilly Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Reilly is of Irish origin, meaning 'valiant' or 'courageous,' evolving from the Gaelic surname Ó Raghallaigh. It has gained popularity as a given name in the 20th century, with a modern image that appeals to many. The name does not have biblical relevance.
The name Reilly is most popular in Washington, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Reilly has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Reilly' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6287th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7360th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1691st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 976th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2020th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 14973rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2784th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 996th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2351st out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Reilly' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Reilly"
Pronunciation
/ˈraɪli/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Reilly is derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Raghallaigh, which means 'descendant of Raghallach.' The name Raghallach is believed to mean 'valiant' or 'courageous.'
Meaning
valiant, courageous
Language Evolution
Ó Raghallaigh, Raghallach, Reilly
Historical Usage
Reilly has been a popular surname in Ireland and has transitioned into a given name in English-speaking countries, particularly in the 20th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Riley, O'Reilly
Modern Popularity & Image
Reilly is viewed as a modern and stylish name, gaining popularity for both boys and girls in recent years.
Famous People
Reilly Smith (NHL player), Reilly Anspach (American football player)
Explore More Reilly Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Reilly"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Reilly"
"Reilly" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6287th of 7552 | 13 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 7360th of 10718 | 23 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1691st of 16616 | 717 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 976th of 24088 | 2,886 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2020th of 23106 | 871 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 14973rd of 19264 | 14 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2784th of 27321 | 633 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 996th of 35406 | 3,887 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2351st of 30306 | 933 |
Regional Popularity of "Reilly" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
43.18% 1591st/3685 |
50.15% 2244th/4475 |
40.60% 2109th/5194 |
24.22% 1530th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
21.58% 989th/4582 |
14.08% 727th/5164 |
16.57% 1212th/7313 |
13.80% 1030th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
56.00% 2231st/3984 |
32.78% 1471st/4487 |
37.38% 2550th/6822 |
41.81% 2624th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Reilly" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
54.76% 2018th/3685 |
60.20% 2694th/4475 |
62.07% 3224th/5194 |
43.07% 2721st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
19.51% 894th/4582 |
12.18% 629th/5164 |
16.98% 1242nd/7313 |
16.24% 1212th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
58.11% 2315th/3984 |
29.04% 1303rd/4487 |
57.21% 3903rd/6822 |
53.35% 3348th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Reilly"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Reilly" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.