Is Reilly a boy's or girl's name?

Reilly is primarily a girl's name. It is also used as a boy's name, with 4,510 recorded births.

When was Reilly most popular?

Reilly reached its peak popularity in 1998 with 379 births that year. It is currently ranked #2730 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Reilly?

Reilly is currently ranked #2730 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 5,467 babies since 1978.

Reilly

A Irish name gently fading from the charts.

Girl's name| Also boysIrishDeclining Also a pet name

#2730▲ 529in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A surname from Irish.

Reilly is a girl's and boy's baby name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname Ó Raghallaigh, meaning 'descendant of Raghallach' — with Raghallach possibly meaning 'valiant' or 'courageous.' With over 5,400 recorded births in U.S. SSA data, it has genuine American history.

Reilly is part of a long tradition of Irish surnames becoming given names in America — alongside Riley, Brady, and Quinn. The "-eilly" spelling is a distinctly Irish visual signature that differentiates it from the more common Riley. For families honoring Irish heritage, Reilly is a name that quietly announces its roots while working beautifully in any context.

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Popularity Over Time

Reilly was #907 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #2730, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Reilly
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	324	#2712	▼
2010s	996	#2041	▼
2000s	2,437	#1040	▲
1990s	1,596	#1707	▲
1980s	108	#7716	▲
1970s	6	#9423	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(46 years, 1978–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Reilly
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	63	#2730	+13 (26.0%)
2023	50	#3259	-15 (-23.1%)
2022	65	#2677	0
2021	65	#2662	-16 (-19.8%)
2020	81	#2234	0
2019	81	#2267	+9 (12.5%)
2018	72	#2470	-3 (-4.0%)
2017	75	#2421	-24 (-24.2%)
2016	99	#2012	+9 (10.0%)
2015	90	#2135	+1 (1.1%)
2014	89	#2151	-14 (-13.6%)
2013	103	#1936	-5 (-4.6%)
2012	108	#1870	-32 (-22.9%)
2011	140	#1569	+1 (0.7%)
2010	139	#1581	-24 (-14.7%)
2009	163	#1437	-30 (-15.5%)
2008	193	#1293	-6 (-3.0%)
2007	199	#1246	+21 (11.8%)
2006	178	#1321	-63 (-26.1%)
2005	241	#1014	-27 (-10.1%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Reilly as a Boy's Name

Reilly is a true unisex name. As a boy's name, it has 4,510 recorded births since 1953.

#2816

Current rank

4,510

Total births

2007

Peak year

Compare Reilly as girl vs boy

Frequently Asked

Can Reilly be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Reilly is used for both boys and girls. As a girl's name, it currently ranks #2730. As a boy's name, it ranks #2816.

Reilly has two lives

Reilly, the baby name

#2730girls

5,467 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1978–2024) · Methodology