gender neutral
Reilly
valiant
About Reilly
The double-L construction gives this name visual distinctiveness that separates it from the more common Riley spelling, adding a touch of Irish authenticity that nods to its Gaelic origins. This spelling choice suggests thoughtfulness in name selection, an appreciation for traditional forms even while choosing something broadly accessible. The sound itself—two light syllables with that liquid 'l' in the middle—creates a friendly, approachable feel that suits children and adults equally well.
Gender flexibility represents one of this name's defining characteristics; it crosses traditional boundaries effortlessly, though in this context it's being considered for a boy. The 'R' beginning provides strength, while the '-ly' ending (however spelled) introduces a softer conclusion. This balance prevents the name from skewing too heavily in either direction regarding perceived masculinity or femininity.
Nickname options remain limited, meaning the name maintains its form throughout life. It functions well in diverse settings—playgrounds, classrooms, sports teams, and eventually professional environments. The name's rising popularity hasn't yet reached oversaturation point, keeping it fresh while ensuring it's not so unusual as to cause confusion or constant explanation. Cultural associations remain broadly positive and energetic.
Popularity of the Name Reilly
Rank among the 1,000 most popular baby names, by year.
| United States | United Kingdom | New Zealand | Ireland | Canada | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | #919 | #680 | |||
| 1997 | #804 | #454 | |||
| 1998 | #907 | #469 | |||
| 1999 | #870 | #482 | |||
| 2000 | #825 | #579 | |||
| 2001 | #816 | #988 | #454 | ||
| 2002 | #822 | #644 | |||
| 2003 | #874 | #771 | #354 | #565 | |
| 2004 | #989 | #720 | #675 | ||
| 2005 | #977 | #635 | #715 | ||
| 2007 | #911 | #733 | |||
| 2008 | #958 | #540 | #438 | ||
| 2006 | #604 | #846 | |||
| 2009 | #601 | #847 | |||
| 2010 | #645 | #1000 | |||
| 2011 | #583 | ||||
| 2012 | #503 | ||||
| 2013 | #666 | ||||
| 2014 | #820 | ||||
| 2015 | #930 | ||||
| 2018 | #678 | ||||
| 2021 | #863 | ||||
| 2023 | #892 | ||||
| 1991 | #979 | ||||
| 1992 | #699 | ||||
| 1993 | #701 | ||||
| 1995 | #751 |
Top names by country: United States · United Kingdom · New Zealand · Ireland · Canada
Variations of Name Reilly
Names Similar to Reilly
Nicknames for Reilly
- Rei
- Reil
- Riley
Famous People Named Reilly
| Reilly Opelka | professional tennis player |
| Reilly Brown | comic book artist |
| Reilly O'Brien | AFL player |
| Reilly Stith | singer-songwriter |
| Reilly Killbride | TV producer |
| Reilly Campbell | actor |
| Reilly Bodycomb | martial artist |
| Reilly Smith | actor |
| Reilly Dolman | actor |
| Reilly Lincoln | director |
| Reilly Hollingsworth | skier |
| Reilly Huff | soccer player |
| Reilly Ehlinger | baseball player |
| Reilly O'Connor | rugby player |
| Reilly Hennessey | lacrosse player |
| Reilly Barber | chef |
| Reilly O'Toole | football player |
| Reilly Donovan | filmmaker |
| Reilly Pickard | hockey player |
Characters Named Reilly
| Reilly Ace of Spies | from the TV series "Reilly, Ace of Spies" |
| Reilly O'Reilly | character in "Cheers" TV series |
| Reilly Stoker | character in the book "Tattoo" by Kirsten Imani Kasai |
| Reilly Kane | character in "American Dreams" TV series |
| Reilly Tillman | character in "The Mephisto Covenant" by Trinity Faegen |
| Reilly Diefenbach | character in "The Hollows" series by Kim Harrison |
| Reilly McClendon | character in "In Plain Sight" TV series |
| Reilly O'Malley | character in "Time After Time" by Lisa Grunwald |
| Reilly Finch | character in "Life, Love & Lily White Lies" by Natasha Friend |
| Reilly Marks | character in "Freaks and Revelations" by Davida Wills Hurwin |
| Reilly Evans | character in "I Can't Tell You" by Hilary Frank |
| Reilly Dunn | character in "The Road Home" by Deborah Smith |
| Reilly Tuelo | character in "Skinned" by Robin Wasserman |
| Reilly Sweetwater | character in "Infernal Devices" by Philip Reeve |
| Reilly McGrath | character in "A Spark of Light" by Jodi Picoult |
| Reilly Chase | character in "Strange Weather" by Joe Hill |
| Reilly Regan | character in "City of a Thousand Dolls" by Miriam Forster |
| Reilly Hall | character in "This Song Will Save Your Life" by Leila Sales |
| Reilly Miles | character in "Blood Magic" by Tessa Gratton |
| Reilly Davenport | character in "Kiss Me, Kill Me" by Lauren Henderson |