Reilly

Reilly is a regal baby name and a wonderful option for both boys and girls. Originally a surname, this given name combines the undertones of a proud heritage with a pronunciation that sounds thoroughly modern. Reilly was the protagonist of the Reilly: Ace of Spies espionage franchise, and Lt. Reilly is the titular protagonist of the popular book series by Matthew Duncan. Keep reading to learn more about this name.

Meaning of the name Reilly:

Old English: Rye clearing
Gaelic: Courageous, valiant

Origin of the name Reilly:

Reilly originated as a surname with two separate origins. In English, this name combined the Old English words ryge (meaning “rye”) and lēah (meaning “clearing,” “meadow,” or “field”). And in Gaelic languages, Reilly derives from the given name Raghailleach. This first name derives from the Old Gaelic word raghalach that meant “courageous” or “brave.” In addition to its use as a given name, the Irish version retained its use as a surname in the form of O'Reilly (meaning “descendant of Raghailleach”).

Symbolism of the name Reilly:

Reilly originates from the Old English words for “rye clearing” or from the Irish given name Raghailleach (meaning “courageous”). Historically, descendants of Raghailleach ruled East Bréifne (present-day County Cavan). Although the dynasty dissolved in 1602, the surname spread throughout the province of Ulster. O'Reilly is now one of the top 20 surnames in Ireland, and Reilly is a popular name for boys and girls throughout the world. The symbol of Reilly is the hand palm that represents faith, sincerity, and justice.

Style of the name Reilly:

Traditional

Gender of the name Reilly:

Reilly is a great name for both girls and boys.

Pronunciation of the name Reilly:

RIE-lee

Number of syllables in the name Reilly:

Two

Emotion evoked from the name Reilly:

The name Reilly evokes feelings of resilience and confidence.

Alternative spellings for the name Reilly:

• Riley 
• Reiley
• Reilley
• Rhiley
• Rilee 
• Rylie 
• Rylee 
• Ryleigh

Nicknames for the name Reilly:

• Reil
• Rye
• Lee 

Popularity of the name Reilly:

Reilly is a gender-neutral name suitable for girls and boys. According to the Social Security Administration index, Reilly was the 907th most popular baby name for girls in 2004. Reilly was the 961st most popular baby name for girls in 2008.

Related names for the name Reilly:

• Reid 
• Reign 
• Reiss
• Reihan
• Reggie
• Ricky 
• Ridley
• Ripley 
• Reuel

Great middle names for Reilly and their meanings:

• Aiken (oaken, earthen)
• Benoit (blessed)
• Candice (queen, pure)
• Dilys (genuine)
• Duncan (chief)
• Esau (hairy)
• Liam (protector, strong-willed warrior)
• Onelė (grace, favor)
• Porter (doorkeeper)
• Quinn (head, chief)
• Severin (stern, serious, strict)
• Titus (title of honor)

Famous people with the name Reilly:

• Reilly Marie Downey Anspaugh (daughter of actress Roma Downey)
• Reilly Brown (comic book artist)
• Reilly Dolman (actor)
• Reilly Neill (politician)
• Reilly Opelka (tennis player)
• Reilly Osborne (actor)
• Reilly Liam Sheeran Smith (ice hockey player)
• Reilly Brooke Stith (actress)
• Reilly Dilys Stella Willis (daughter of designer Stella McCartney)

Reilly in popular culture:

• Reilly (protagonist of the Reilly: Ace of Spies espionage series)
• Reilly Creek (tributary in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania)
• Reilly O'Neill (male protagonist of Reilly's Return by Amelia Autin)
• Lt. Reilly (protagonist of the Lt. Reilly series by Matthew Duncan)