Riley is an upbeat and friendly unisex name with a great fan base. This is a hot name for girls and a stout name for boys. That’s why the middle names for Riley should also be of equal charm and allure.
In this article, I have discussed this name’s origin and meaning and suggested various spelling variations. Next, I mentioned the popularity ranking of this name in the USA for both genders and will share some interesting tips about giving a middle name to your baby.
Origin of the name Riley
The name Riley has two origins. It is derived from the Irish surnames O’Raghallaigh or O’Reilly. These names are derived from the Gaelic word raghalach. It is also considered a derivative of Old English or Anglo-Saxon word ryge.
It was originally a boy’s name but later became an equally popular name for both genders.
Meaning of the name Riley
In Gaelic origin, it means courageous or valiant. In Anglo-Saxon origin, it means rye clearing or a person who lives near rye fields.
Perfect middle names for Riley
Riley is a gender-neutral name and is perfect for parents considering a unisex name for their babies. However, if this is your partner’s choice, but you think it is too vague, you can always select a gender-specific middle name.
Some names are really traditional while some names are very popular. Looking for both can be tiresome, so we compiled for you an extensive list of traditional, popular, and unisex middle names.
You can select a feminine and cute middle name for your baby girl, and you can select a masculine and influential name for your baby boy.
Traditional middle names that go with Riley
Traditional middle names hold so much elegance and charm. For a strong name like Riley, the classic and traditional middle name will fit perfectly. Following is a list of one, two, three, and four-syllable traditional middle names that you will love.
One syllable traditional middle names
- Riley Grace {English}-Gracious one
- Riley Jane {Hebrew}-God is gracious
- Riley June {Latin}-Month of June
- Riley Louise {German}-Famous warrior
- Riley Rose {English}-Rose flower
- Riley Pearl {Latin}-Pearl
- Riley Tess {Greek}-Late summer
- Riley Belle {French}-Beautiful
- Riley Maeve {Irish}-She who intoxicates
- Riley Neve {Irish, Latin}-Snow
- Riley Mae {Hebrew}-Flower or Month of May
- Riley Rae {English}-Ewe
- Riley Chloe {Greek}-Blooming
- Riley Ethel {English}-Noble
Two syllable traditional middle names
- Riley Ava {Latin}-To Live
- Riley Eloise {English}-Healthy one
- Riley Charlotte {French}-Freewoman
- Riley Constance {Latin}-Constancy, steadfastness
- Riley Sophie {Greek}-Wisdom
- Riley Georgette {Latin}-Farmer
- Riley Maxine {Latin}-Greatest
- Riley Evelyn {Latin & Hebrew}-Life
- Riley Celeste {Latin}-Heavenly
- Riley Hannah {Hebrew}-Grace
- Riley Simone {Hebrew}-God had heard
- Riley Scarlett {English}-Passion, Bright red
- Riley Freya {Norse}-A noble-woman
- Riley Justine {Latin}-Fair
- Riley Pauline {Latin}-Small
- Riley Jocelyn {Hebrew}-Supplanter
- Riley Colleen {Irish & American}-Country woman
- Riley Vivien {Latin}-Lively
Three syllable traditional middle names
- Riley Abigail {Hebrew}-Father’s rejoice
- Riley Amelia {German}-Work
- Riley Caroline {French}-Free woman
- Riley Catherine {Greek}-Pure
- Riley Estelle {Latin}-Star
- Riley Margaret {Greek, French}-Pearl
- Riley Meredith {Welsh}-Great, noted ruler
- Riley Maribel {Spanish}-Bitter
- Riley Ophelia {Greek}-Help
- Riley Lenora {Greek}-Sunray, shining light
- Riley Lucinda {Latin}-Light
- Riley Delilah {Hebrew}-Delicate
Four syllable traditional middle names
- Riley Annabelle {English}-Lovable and graceful
- Riley Elizabeth {Hebrew}-God is my oath
- Riley Isabella {Hebrew}-Devoted to God
- Riley Veronica {Latin}-True image
- Riley Victoria {Latin}-Victory
- Riley Anastasia {Greek}-Resurrection
Popular middle names that go with Riley
Popular middle names can be traditional or modern, but the names that are graceful with heartfelt meaning always become popular. If you love a name, you don’t need to reconsider it because of its popularity, it is a fair chance that when your baby grows up, it will become a classic. So never hesitate in listening to the voice of your heart. Following are some highly popular one, two, and three syllabled popular names.
One syllable popular middle names
- Riley Beth {Hebrew}-Pledged to God
- Riley Kaye {Greek}-Pure
- Riley Bree {English}-Strength
- Riley Claire {French}-Bright, Clear
- Riley Moon {English}-Word name
- Riley Faye {French}-Fairy
- Riley Kate {Greek}-Pure
- Riley Lake {English}-Nature name
- Riley Thea {Greek}-Gift of God
- Riley Dale {English}-Valley
Two syllable popular middle names
- Riley Adele {German}-Nobility
- Riley Anthea {Greek}-Blossom
- Riley Megan {Welsh}-Pearl
- Riley Collins (Irish Gaelic)-Holly
- Riley April {Latin}-Opening, From the month
- Riley Ashley {English}-Ash tree meadow
- Riley Autumn {Latin}-Fall season
- Riley Bristol {English}-Site of the bridge
- Riley Brooklyn {American}-Place name
- Riley Eden {Hebrew}-Paradise
- Riley Iris {Greek}-Colorful
- Riley Jewel {English}-A precious gemstone
- Riley Kristin {German}-A Christian
- Riley Marven {American}-Great lady
- Riley Nova {Latin}-New
- Riley Opal {Indian}-Preci2ous gem
- Riley Piper {English}- Flute player
- Riley Precious {American}- Precious one
- Riley Sandra {English}-Defender of the people, Short form of Alexander
- Riley Sutton {English }-From the south town
- Riley Tasha {English}-Born on Christmas day
- Riley Yasmin {Persian}-Jasmine flower
- Riley Agnes {Greek}-Pure
Three syllable popular middle names
- Riley Nicole {French}-Victory of the people
- Riley Juniper {Latin}-Young
Unisex middle names that go with Riley
Unisex names are trendy, classic, and impressive. Unisex names are adored in general and people love unisex names. Following is a list of one, two, and three-syllable middle names that you can choose for Riley without any reluctance.
One syllable unisex middle names
- Riley Shea {Irish}-Stately
- Riley Jade {Spanish}-Ornamental stone, the one who is as precious as the gemstone
- Riley Quinn {Gaelic}-Descendent of Conn
- Riley Wren {English}-Small brown songbird
- Riley Scout {French}-To listen
- Riley Sage {Latin}-Wise
Two syllable popular middle names
- Riley Ashton {English}-Ash tree town
- Riley Taylor {French}-Tailor
- Riley Bergen {German}-Lives on the hill
- Riley Morgan {English}-Great brightness
- Riley Shannon {Irish }-Old River
- Riley Sawyer {English}-Woodcutter
- Riley Carmel {Hebrew}-Garden
- Riley Carroll {German}-Free man
- Riley Denver {English}-Green valley
- Riley Dorian {Greek}-From Doris
- Riley Tatum {English}-Bringer of joy
- Riley Hunter {English}-one who hunts
- Riley Kaden {Arabic}-Companion
- Riley Parker {English}-Park keeper
Three syllable popular middle names
- Riley Athena {Greek}-goddess of wisdom
- Riley Ellison {Scottish}-Noble
- Riley Addison {English}-Child of Adam
- Riley Nevada {Spanish}-Snow-covered
- Riley Nikita {Greek}-Unconquered
Plant themed middle names for Riley
Plant-themed names are so earthy yet deep. You don’t need to be an environmentalist to choose a plant name for your little botanist. Following are some plant names that can be a perfect match for Riley.
- Riley Violet {English}-Violet flower
- Riley Marigold {English}-Golden flower
- Riley Olivia {Latin}-Olive tree
- Riley Loretta {Latin}-Laurel or sweet bay tree
- Riley Aspen {American}-Aspen tree
- Riley Loren {Latin}-Laurel tree
- Riley Lilac {Arabic}-A flower shrub
- Riley Tulip {Turkish}-A flower name
- Riley Clover {English}-Herb name
- Riley Blossom {English}-Flower
Related Article: Amazing Botanical Baby Names
The popularity of the name Riley
In the year 2019, 5676 girls were named Riley. This name ranked in 30th position among 1000 popular names in 2019.
For the boys, this name ranked on number 263 in 1000 most popular names for boys, and 1365 boys were given this name.
Alternate spellings on the name Riley
The name Riley has a great potential of being spelled differently and uniquely. You can choose what struck you the most, but simpler is the best.
- Reiley
- Reilley
- Reilly
- Reily
- Rheilly
- Rhiley
- Rhylee
- Rielly
- Rillie
- Rilie
- Rilye
- Ryelee
- Ryeleigh
- Rylee
- Rylie
- Ryleigh
- Ryley
How to select a middle name for your baby?
I am intermittently giving useful and practical suggestions that can help you in going through this significant milestone. It would be best if you focus on the meaning of the name. Along with the meaning, the spellings and pronunciation are also significant. Consider the following mentioned tips as well.
- Look for the different and alternate spellings of the name or similar names. This may change your first choice and save you the regret you may face when you came across these similar names and alternate spellings. However, don’t get too creative and don’t select too unique and rare spellings. This will make the introduction process difficult for your child, and he or she has to listen to what is it again?’ a lot.
- You can balance the name and add a little variety. If you have to give a traditional first name, you can balance it with a unique and modern middle name. If the first name is unisex, you can add a gender-specific middle name.
- You can also change and bend the traditions by choosing the last name as the middle one or vice versa. You can choose an adventurous name or a historical name as well.
- Some names are popular in a particular region or a specific era. Maybe a celebrity is famous in your times, and when your child grows up, the world may forget about that celebrity. So, it is best to choose names that will be unique in every period.
- Choosing a name is tricky, and you cannot choose a name that makes everyone happy. Every person has a personal favorite name. So choose your battle wisely and stick to your opinion.
You can find more tips in the following articles as well.
