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Rhyley

Boy name · 11 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Rhyley: 11 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 4 births in 2010.

Rhyley is a modern spelling variant of Riley, which traces back to the Irish surname Ó Raghallaigh, meaning “descendant of Raghallach”—an Old Irish personal name likely derived from *ragh* meaning “valiant” or “warrior.” English speakers also sometimes connect it to Old English *ryge leah* (“rye clearing”), giving it a rustic, pastoral feel. Notable bearers of the more common Riley spelling include actress Riley Keough and American poet James Whitcomb Riley, author of “Little Orphant Annie.” While no major places are directly named after a Rhyley, the variant shares its root with the well-known surname O’Reilly, whose bearers include a famous Irish chieftain dynasty. In Scotland, the name has gained popularity as a gender-neutral choice, often given to both boys and girls since the early 2000s, and stands out for its fresh, contemporary spelling.