Find out how popular the first name Reileen has been for the last 1 years (from 2021 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Reileen by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Reileen is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Reileen.

The history of the first name Reileen

The name Reileen is a relatively modern invention, likely originating in the late 20th century. It does not appear to have any clear linguistic roots or historical references in ancient texts or religious scriptures. However, it bears a resemblance to several Irish and Scottish Gaelic names, suggesting a potential influence from Celtic cultures.

One possible derivation is from the Irish name Reilean, which itself is a diminutive form of the name Reilly. The name Reilly is an Anglicized version of the Irish Gaelic name Ó Raghailligh, meaning "descendant of Raghaillach." Raghaillach is a personal name derived from the word "raghalach," meaning "religious" or "righteous."

Another potential origin is from the Scottish Gaelic name Eilidh, which is a form of the name Helen or Helena. This name has Greek roots and means "bright one" or "shining light." The prefix "Rei-" in Reileen could be a variation of this Scottish Gaelic name, although the connection is tenuous.

While the name Reileen may not have a long historical lineage, it has been adopted by several notable individuals in recent times. One of the earliest recorded instances is Reileen Kawishin, a Canadian singer and songwriter born in 1976, known for her work in the folk and world music genres.

Another notable bearer of the name is Reileen Coetzee, a South African actress born in 1983, who has appeared in numerous television series and films, including the popular soap opera "7de Laan."

In the world of sports, Reileen Terrell is an American professional basketball player born in 1992, who has played in the WNBA and overseas.

In the realm of literature, Reileen Kawahara is a Japanese-American author born in 1988, known for her novels exploring themes of identity and cultural heritage.

Lastly, Reileen Dias is an Indian social entrepreneur born in 1981, who has been recognized for her work in promoting sustainable agriculture and empowering rural communities.

While the name Reileen may be relatively new and its origins somewhat obscure, it has been embraced by individuals from diverse backgrounds and has already left its mark on various fields, from music and acting to sports, literature, and social entrepreneurship.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Reileen was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Reileen, please contact us.

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