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Rylee

Boy / Girl name · 126 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Rylee: 126 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 9 births in 2021.

Rylee is a modern Americanised spelling of Riley, a surname with two distinct roots. The Irish form comes from Ó Raghailligh, meaning “descendant of Raghaillach” – a personal name thought to derive from “ragh”, meaning “race” or “game”. The English origin traces to a place name meaning “rye clearing” in Old English. While no famous historical figures bear the exact spelling, the name gained visibility through dancer Rylee Arnold of *Dancing with the Stars* and actress Rylee McCabe. Unlike many Irish surnames turned first names, Rylee has no strong Scottish place connection, though the variant Riley is well-established there. It’s now used for both girls and boys, with the -ee ending giving a softer, gender-neutral feel that appeals to modern parents seeking a fresh twist on a traditional surname.