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Ryleigh

Girl name · 82 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Ryleigh: 82 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 9 births in 2016.

Ryleigh is a modern feminine spelling of Riley, which originally emerged as an Irish and Scottish surname from the Gaelic *Ó Raghallaigh*, meaning “descendant of Raghallach,” a personal name thought to combine *ragh* (“race”) and *ceallach* (“contentious” or “warrior”). The name gained popularity in Scotland following the global rise of gender-neutral names and the -leigh suffix trend. Notable bearers include American actress Ryleigh Vertès and Scottish footballer Ryley McGregor (a common masculine variant). Place connections are indirect, but the original Irish surname Riley is linked to County Cavan and areas of County Down. The variant Rylee is also widespread in Scotland, while the -leigh spelling lends a softer, more traditionally feminine feel than the original Riley.