Reilly is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Raghallaigh. The original Gaelic form of the name was "Ó Raghalach", which meant "descendant of Raghalach". Raghalach was likely a personal name meaning "little bright-headed" or "little clever one".
The Reilly family was prominent in Ireland, particularly in County Meath. They were known as a sept of the Uí Neill, one of the most powerful and influential families in Irish history. The Uí Neill were descendants of Niall Noígíallach, the legendary high king of Ireland.
Reilly became popular as a given name in Ireland during the 19th century. It was often used for both boys and girls, although it is now more commonly used as a male name. The name has also gained popularity outside of Ireland, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States and Canada.
Some notable people with the surname Reilly include the Irish-American politician James "Jimmy" J. Reilly Jr., who served as a U.S. Representative from Illinois, and the Australian rules footballer Michael Reilly, who played for the Essendon Football Club. However, there are no significant historical figures or legends associated specifically with the name Reilly.
In literature, the name Reilly appears in several works by Irish authors, including James Joyce's "Ulysses" and Flann O'Brien's "At Swim-Two-Birds". The name is also used in popular culture, such as in the video game "Call of Duty: Black Ops III", where a character named Reilly is featured.
Overall, while the name Reilly has a rich history rooted in Irish culture and heritage, it is not associated with any specific legends or traditions. Instead, its meaning is relatively straightforward, reflecting its origins as a Gaelic surname. Nonetheless, it remains a popular choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child.
The name Reilly has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Between 1953 and 2023, there have been a total of 4,464 births with the first name Reilly. The number of annual births with this name varied greatly during this period.
In the early years, from 1953 to 1987, the number of babies named Reilly remained relatively low, with fewer than 20 births per year. However, starting in 1988, there was a noticeable increase in the popularity of the name, with 32 births recorded that year.
The peak years for the name Reilly were between 1995 and 2002. During this period, the number of annual births with this name nearly quadrupled, from 95 births in 1995 to a high of 204 births in 2002. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with over 160 births per year between 2003 and 2007.
However, since 2008, the popularity of the name Reilly has gradually declined. After reaching a peak of 218 births in 2007, the number of annual births with this name has decreased to 56 births in 2023. Despite this decline in recent years, the name Reilly remains relatively popular compared to its earlier decades.
In conclusion, while the popularity of the name Reilly has fluctuated over time in the United States, it has experienced significant growth since the late 1980s and remains a popular choice among parents today.