The name Ryley has its roots in the Old English language and is believed to have originated as a habitational surname, referring to someone who lived near a rye field or a rye meadow. It is derived from the Old English words "ryge" meaning "rye" and "leah" meaning "meadow" or "clearing."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ryley can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, a manuscript record of the great survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror. In this document, the name is spelled "Rigeleie" and is listed as a place name in Derbyshire, England.

As a given name, Ryley began to gain popularity in the late 20th century, especially in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is often considered a unisex name, but is more commonly used for boys.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Ryley:

1. Ryley Batt (1925-2014), an Australian rules footballer who played for the Richmond Football Club in the Victorian Football League (now known as the Australian Football League).

2. Ryley Walker (born 1989), an American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his blend of folk, rock, and jazz influences.

3. Ryley Adolescent Unit, a former residential treatment facility for adolescents located in Ryley, Alberta, Canada, which operated from the late 1960s to the early 2000s.

4. Ryley Towler (born 2003), a Canadian child actor known for his role as Finn in the television series "The Haunting Hour."

5. Ryley Jacks (born 1993), an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL.

While the name Ryley may not have a long and illustrious history like some other names, its connection to the English countryside and its increasing popularity in recent decades have contributed to its unique charm and appeal.