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Riley

Boy / Girl name · 3,285 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Riley: 3,285 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 418 births in 2012.

From its lively Irish roots, Riley began as the Gaelic surname Ó Raghailligh, meaning "descendant of Raghallach," a personal name thought to combine "race" or "valour" with a bright, radiant quality. Originally a boys' name in Scotland and Ireland, it has crossed over in recent decades to become a popular choice for girls too. Among its famous bearers are American poet and activist Riley Young, and the acclaimed architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s son, John Lloyd Wright, though the name’s best-known cultural connection might be the wise-cracking character of Riley Matthews from the sitcom *Girl Meets World*. The name also shares its sunny sound with the English word "rile," but its Gaelic origin remains the true inspiration. Riley currently appears as a unisex favourite on Scottish birth registers, favoured for its cheerful, approachable feel.