Find out how popular the first name Rielly has been for the last 31 years (from 1990 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rielly by gender

Based on the last 31 years of data, Rielly is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 57% of people named Rielly being female.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Rielly.

The history of the first name Rielly

The name Rielly is of Irish Gaelic origin, derived from the word "riaghail" which means "rule" or "regulation." It is believed to have first appeared in the late 12th century, during the Norman invasion of Ireland. The name was likely given to those who were associated with the implementation or enforcement of rules and laws.

In ancient Irish texts, the name Rielly is often associated with the ruling class or those in positions of authority. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name is Riaghail Mac Cathail, who was a prominent chieftain in the northern regions of Ireland during the 13th century.

Throughout history, the name Rielly has been borne by several notable figures. In the 15th century, Riaghail O'Donnell was a renowned Irish scholar and poet who wrote extensively about the culture and traditions of his homeland. Another notable bearer of the name was Riaghail O'Brien, a military leader who played a crucial role in the Irish Confederate Wars of the 17th century.

During the 19th century, the name Rielly gained popularity in both Ireland and the United States. Riaghail O'Reilly (1823-1892) was an Irish-American journalist and author who founded several influential newspapers, including the Memphis Appeal and the Memphis Avalanche. Riaghail Fitzpatrick (1848-1923) was an Irish-American priest and educator who played a significant role in the establishment of Catholic education in the United States.

In more recent times, the name Rielly has been associated with several prominent figures in various fields. Riaghail Ridout (1919-2012) was a Canadian actor and playwright who was celebrated for his contributions to the Canadian theater scene. Riaghail O'Donnell (1937-2015) was an Irish-American businessman and philanthropist who founded the successful company, Galen Associates.

While the name Rielly may have evolved over time and taken on different spellings, its Irish roots and connection to authority and leadership have remained a consistent theme throughout its history.

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 Rielly was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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