Reilly

Reilly is a baby name with Irish roots and a meaning often connected to “Brave.” For parents comparing baby names, it offers a simple way to balance meaning, sound, and overall feel.

What Does Reilly Mean?

A valiant and adventurous name meaning “Brave”

The name Reilly is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic surname O’Raghailligh, meaning “descendant of Raghailleach.” The name Raghailleach itself is believed to come from the Irish word “raghallaigh,” which means “valiant,” “courageous,” or “bareheaded.”

Historically, the name Reilly was a prominent surname in Ireland, particularly in the County Cavan area, where the O’Reilly clan held significant power and influence. The O’Reillys were one of the ruling families of the Kingdom of East Breifne and played a significant role in Irish history.

Origin And Style Of Reilly

Reilly is commonly connected to Irish naming traditions.

The meaning linked with Reilly is usually given as “Brave.”

When choosing a name like Reilly, many parents also compare how it looks on the page, how easy it is to say, and how well it fits with sibling names or family preferences.

Why Parents Consider Reilly

Reilly can be evaluated by the same practical questions parents use with any baby name: sound, meaning, familiarity, and overall style.

Families who like Reilly may also be looking for names that start with R, have a similar tone, or carry a meaning that feels thoughtful and positive.

Related Names

If you like Reilly, you may also want to explore other Irish names such as Reegan, Reagan, Rogan, Rileyie, Rileyen.

Explore More R Names

Looking for similar ideas? Browse more R baby names or return to the full baby names directory to compare more options.

A valiant and adventurous name meaning “Brave”

The name Reilly is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic surname O’Raghailligh, meaning “descendant of Raghailleach.” The name Raghailleach itself is believed to come from the Irish word “raghallaigh,” which means “valiant,” “courageous,” or “bareheaded.”

Historically, the name Reilly was a prominent surname in Ireland, particularly in the County Cavan area, where the O’Reilly clan held significant power and influence. The O’Reillys were one of the ruling families of the Kingdom of East Breifne and played a significant role in Irish history.

In modern times, the name Reilly has transitioned from being primarily a surname to a unisex given name. It has become popular in English-speaking countries as a first name for both boys and girls.

The name Reilly carries connotations of strength, bravery, and leadership, making it a meaningful choice for parents looking for a name with Irish roots and a powerful significance.