Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Riley.
National Rank (2025)
#208
All-Time Peak Rank
#99 (2002)
Total U.S. Births
105,025
Unisex Distribution42.5% Boy / 57.5% GirlBalance: Highly Balanced
💡 The Riley Vibe: This choice is considered a Modern Trend. A contemporary choice reflecting current cultural naming rhythms and popularity brackets.
📖 The Story Behind Riley
According to SSA data, Riley achieved its highest historical rank of #99 in 2002. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 2006 with 4,396 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have decreased by 20.4%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 146 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name Riley scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Rising
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
-20.4% Decline
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record4,396Births in 2006
Years in Top 100
1yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
146Years
Historical VolatilityHighly Volatile
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:458
1890s:386
1900s:383
1910s:1,210
1920s:1,668
1930s:1,470
1940s:1,663
1950s:1,424
1960s:938
1970s:1,090
1980s:3,436
1990s:18,841
2000s:39,622
2010s:23,145
2020s:9,291
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesRi-ley
Letter Count5 Letters
Spelling ComplexityModerate
Linguistic Profile Narrative: It is an isogram, meaning no two letters are repeated. Longer than 7.7% of SSA names. Starts with R, a letter used by only 4.7% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with Riley? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics