Reilly

Origin

The name Reilly derives from the Irish Gaelic surname O'Reilly, which means 'descendant of Reilly'. The given name Reilly is an Anglicised form of the Irish surname, with historical mentions dating back to medieval Ireland in Gaelic clan records. It has been carried into the Australian context through Irish migration, especially during the 19th-century potato famine period. In Irish, the name is spelled 'Ó Raghallaigh', with roots in the Gaelic language and cultural history of Gaelic Ireland.

Meaning

'Courageous' or 'valiant' — the name connotes bravery and nobility, fitting the valorous traditions of Irish warrior communities. In Australian English contexts, the name has become associated with resilience and adventurous spirit, reflecting the pioneering history of Irish settlers and the broader Australian ethos.

Pronunciation

/ˈreɪli/ (REY-lee — with emphasis on the first syllable, common in Australian pronunciation) , Australia often pronounces it as /ˈreɪli/ with a long 'a' sound.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 17 March (St. Patrick's Day)
• 17 March (Irish national day) – celebrated among Irish-Australian communities with cultural festivals and parades.
• Saint Reilly's Day (not widely observed but celebrated in some Irish cultural circles in Australia)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with reilly:

• Charlie and Reilly
• Liam and Reilly
• Sean and Reilly

Fun Facts

• Reilly is popular as a surname and has been adopted as a first name in Australia, especially among Irish-descended families.
• The name Reilly has been used for several Australian sports clubs and teams, owing to its spirited connotation.
• A notable fictional Australian character named Reilly appears in Australian TV dramas.
• Reilly is also used as a surname for several Australian celebrities, including actors and musicians.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name reilly:

• adventurous
• resilient
• friendly
• loyal

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a strong yet approachable visual appeal, often associated with classic typography and casual modern aesthetics in Australian branding and media.

Geographical Distribution

More common in regions with significant Irish-Australian populations, such as Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. It is also popular in urban areas among families embracing Irish heritage.

Numerological Significance

Name number 6, which signifies harmony, responsibility, and nurturing qualities; often associated with creative and caring personalities in astrology.

Astrological Connections

Associated with the Cancer (June 21 – July 22) zodiac sign, emphasizing emotional intelligence, protectiveness, and adaptability, aligning with the attribute traits of the name.

Historical Context

The name Reilly has deep Irish roots, with prominent historical figures such as Irish chieftains and soldiers bearing the surname. In Australia, it is associated with Irish immigrants who contributed significantly to Australian society, especially in Queensland and New South Wales.

Linguistic Adaptability

Reilly retains its Gaelic pronunciation and spelling across languages but is often anglicised for pronunciation ease in Australia. Variants exist in other languages, such as 'Reili' in Finnish and 'Reyli' in Scandinavian contexts.

Famous People Named reilly

• Reilly Smith (Ice Hockey Player)
• Reilly O'Connor (Australian Rules Footballer)
• Reilly Smith (musician)

Popularity in Australia