Riley Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Riley come from? What does the surname Riley mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Riley and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Riley Origin: What does the last name Riley mean?
Riley is a surname of English origin, meaning "rye clearing," and is associated with several placenames in the United Kingdom, including Lancashire and Devon. It can be traced back to the 13th century in these areas. Additionally, Riley is an Anglicized version of the Irish surname O'Reilly, derived from the Gaelic for 'grandson of Raghallach.' According to YourRoots data, the surname Riley first appeared in records from England in the early 14th century and has since spread globally.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Riley surname in the United Kingdom since the 14th century, with a growing frequency of records in the United States from the 17th century onwards. Today, the Riley surname can be found in various countries worldwide, reflecting its historical origins in England and Ireland. The name has evolved over the centuries, maintaining its significance across different regions and cultures.
Riley Last Name History: Where did the last name Riley come from?
Origin of Riley Surname: Where does the last name Riley originate from?
The 'Riley' surname, as per YourRoots data, first shows up in records from England (United Kingdom) around the early 14th century. This only includes YourRoots data for the exact “Riley” spelling and does not account for other record sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Riley: What does the Riley surname history look like in the early days?
The 'Riley' surname seems to have been predominantly associated with England (United Kingdom) from the 14th to the 15th century, according to YourRoots data. The surname started increasing in frequency in the United States from the 17th century, eventually surpassing the United Kingdom in the number of records.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Riley surname today?
The 'Riley' surname has shown a significant presence in the United States since the 17th century, and this trend has continued through the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Today, the 'Riley' surname can be found in various countries worldwide, with a notable concentration in the United States, reflecting the global spread of the surname over the centuries.
Explore Riley last name heritage and Riley surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Riley Surame?
Talulah Riley
Talulah Jane Riley-Milburn (born 26 Sep 1985) is an English actress known for her roles in popular films like Pride & Prejudice, Inception, and The Boat That Rocked. She has also appeared in hit TV series such as Westworld and Doctor Who. Riley is a talented writer as well, with published novels like Acts of Love and The Quickening. Her personal life has also garnered attention, including her marriages to tech mogul Elon Musk and actor Thomas Brodie-Sangster. Riley's diverse talents and captivating performances have solidified her status as a versatile entertainer in the industry.
Charlotte Riley
Charlotte Frances Riley (born Dec 29, 1981) is an English actress known for her roles in "Easy Virtue" and ITV's "Wuthering Heights." She has also appeared in "Edge of Tomorrow" and the BBC drama "Press." Riley is married to actor Tom Hardy, with whom she has two children.
Pat Riley
Patrick James Riley (born Mar 20, 1945) is an American basketball icon known for his championship success as a player, coach, and executive in the NBA. Nicknamed "the Godfather," Riley won multiple titles with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat. His strategic prowess and leadership have solidified his status as one of the greatest figures in NBA history. Beyond his on-court achievements, Riley's impact on the sport is enduring, making him a legendary figure in basketball lore.
Rachel Riley
Rachel Annabelle Riley (born Jan 11, 1986) is an English television presenter known for co-hosting the popular show Countdown. She has a background in mathematics and has also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing. Riley is an advocate against racism and was awarded an MBE for her work in Holocaust education and antisemitism awareness. Additionally, she has presented shows like The Gadget Show and It's Not Rocket Science, showcasing her passion for popularizing mathematics and science. Riley's dynamic career and commitment to important causes have made her a well-known figure in the entertainment industry.
Sam Riley
Samuel Peter W. Riley (born Jan 8, 1980) is an English actor and singer known for his roles in "Control," "On the Road," "Maleficent," and "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies." Riley's breakout role as Ian Curtis in "Control" earned him critical acclaim and multiple awards. He has also appeared in films like "Brighton Rock" and "Byzantium." Additionally, Riley has modeled for Burberry and Ermenegildo Zegna. He was the lead singer of the band 10,000 Things before pursuing his acting career. Riley currently resides in Berlin with his wife, actress Alexandra Maria Lara, and their son.
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