Reilly is an Irish surname and given name that is derived from the Irish sept or clan name Ó Raghallaigh. The exact meaning of the name is uncertain, but it is believed to mean "descendant of Ragallach," with Ragallach being a personal name of unknown etymology.
The surname Reilly is one of the most common surnames in Ireland, and it has been traced back to the 14th century. The Reillys were an influential family in County Meath, where they held land and titles as chieftains. Over time, the name spread throughout Ireland and can now be found in many different regions.
Reilly was also a popular given name among the Irish, particularly during the Victorian era when it was often used as a boys' name. Today, Reilly is used for both boys and girls and has become increasingly popular in recent years. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Reilly was the 347th most popular boy's name in the United States in 2019, and the 869th most popular girl's name.
Some notable individuals with the name Reilly include American actress and model Rebecca Reilly, Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde (whose real name was Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde), and Australian cricket player Mitchell Johnson. While these figures have made significant contributions to their respective fields, it is important to note that they are not representative of the broader history and meaning of the name Reilly.
In summary, Reilly is an Irish surname and given name with a rich history dating back centuries. Its exact meaning may be uncertain, but its significance as a symbol of Irish heritage and culture is undeniable. Whether used as a first or last name, Reilly continues to be popular among families looking for a strong and distinctive moniker with deep roots in the Emerald Isle.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name "Reilly" in the United States from 1978 to 2023. Over this period, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of the name.
Starting with only 6 births in 1978, the name gained some traction in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with a peak of 52 births in 1990. This trend continued throughout the 1990s, reaching a high point of 379 births in 1998.
However, after this peak, there was a gradual decline in the popularity of the name "Reilly". By 2014, the number of annual births with this name had decreased to 89. Despite some fluctuations, this downward trend has continued until recently, with only 50 births recorded in both 2022 and 2023.
In total, over these years, there were 5403 babies named Reilly born in the United States. This data provides insight into the changing trends of baby naming in America over the past four decades.