Riley
Meaning
Small stream
Origin
British
Pronunciation
/ˈraɪli/
Alt. Spellings
Rylee
Traits associated with the name Riley:
Dogs named Riley tend to be loving, and good-natured. This name is also associated with companionship, and intelligence.
What does it say about you to have a dog named Riley?
That you have a fondness for the name Riley and that you likely have a strong connection to the name. It could also suggest that you are a loyal and loving person, as dogs are often seen as symbols of loyalty and love.
Is Riley a good dog name?
Riley has two syllables, which is highly recommended by dog trainers. The name also ends in a vowel sound, so it's easy for dogs to recognize. Riley isn't one of the most common names, so your dog will certainly stand out. If you love the name, you should pick it!
Popularity: Overall
Naming your dog Riley is certainly a thing, but it's one of the more niche choices out there according to our data.
Popularity: Historical Trend
Riley was, in the past month, the 486th most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.
As of May 2025, Riley is becoming ever more niche with new puppy owners. Our stats suggest that the name is less fashionable than it was at this time last year.
We've seen quite a lot of variation in rank for this name, which may suggest seasonal factors or interest driven by pop culture events.
In the past week, Riley was viewed 73 times, and liked 1 times.
Popularity: United States
The map below shows Riley's popularity across the United States, according to PupNames data.
Riley is most adored in Louisiana, New York and Oregon.
By contrast, the name has been shown the least amount of interest in Rhode Island, Utah and Vermont.
Popularity: Around The World
And this world map shows which countries have the greatest love for the name Riley.
Most popular breeds named Riley:
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Cocker Spaniel
- Australian Shepherd
Famous dogs named Riley:
A dog named Riley appeared in the comic book Biff & Riley by Jeff Payden.
Riley is found in these categories:
british
Common surname and given name in England, derived from Old English.
irish
Derived from Irish surname Ó Raghallaigh, meaning descendant of Raghallach.
farm
Originates from Old English, meaning "rye clearing"; a pastoral reference.
cute
Irish origin, meaning "valiant", popularized by Pixar's "Inside Out".
Dog names like Riley:
January 27, 2024
Let us know what you think of Riley as a dog name!