Reilley is a unique and distinctively Irish name of French origin. It is derived from the French surname Réaumay, which was brought to Ireland by French settlers during the Middle Ages. The name Reilley is believed to have been adopted as a first name in the 18th century.
The meaning of Reilley is not explicitly known, but it is thought to be associated with the French word "réal," which means "real" or "genuine." Therefore, Reilley could be interpreted as meaning "true" or "authentic."
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures bearing the name Reilley. One of the most famous was Patrick Reilly (1845-1923), an Irish journalist and politician who played a significant role in Irish politics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, Reilley remains a popular choice among parents seeking a distinctive name with Irish roots for their children. Despite its French origins, Reilley has become strongly associated with Ireland due to its widespread use there over generations. It is often spelled in various ways, including Riley, Reilly, andReilly, but regardless of the spelling, the name holds a unique charm that continues to appeal to many families.
The statistics on the given name Reilley show a varied trend over time in the United States. From 1998 to 2016, there were a total of 107 births registered with this name.
The highest number of births occurred in 2008 with 16 babies named Reilley, indicating that it was quite popular during this year. However, the popularity seems to have fluctuated over time, as some years saw fewer than ten births with this name.
In recent years, from 2014 to 2016, there were consistently five births each year with the name Reilley, suggesting a stable but not overwhelming preference for this name among parents during these years. Overall, while the number of births varies yearly, the name Reilley has had a consistent presence in the United States over the span of nearly two decades.