Of Irish and English origin.
Both a masculine and a feminine name.
As an Irish name, it derives from the name Reilly, meaning “courageous”.
As an English name, it derives from a place name that, in Old English, means “rye clearing”.
Riley is a popular masculine name in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales.
It is also a feminine name which rises in the popularity lists in the United States, currently ranked #47.
Famous male bearers are Riley B .”B.B.” King, Riley Smith, Riley Salmon, Riley Griffiths, Riley Nash, Riley Cooper.
Famous female bearer is Riley Keough.
B.B. King was the a legendary blues guitarist, considered the most important electric guitarist of the last half of the 20th century.
He is credited with more than 70 entries on the R&B Billboard charts.
His playing technique has influenced almost all of the blues’ musicians after him.
He is known as “The King of Blues”.