Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Riley.
National Rank (2025)
#48
All-Time Peak Rank
#22 (2016)
Total U.S. Births
141,960
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 #22 in 2016. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 2016 with 7,159 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have decreased by 22.6%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 53 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
Declining
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
-22.6% Decline
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record7,159Births in 2016
Years in Top 100
24yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
53Years
Historical VolatilityHighly Volatile
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:0
1890s:0
1900s:0
1910s:0
1920s:11
1930s:11
1940s:21
1950s:18
1960s:11
1970s:72
1980s:680
1990s:10,234
2000s:45,533
2010s:56,150
2020s:29,219
📐 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