The surname Riley has its roots in Ireland, where it was derived from the Gaelic “O’Raghailligh” meaning “descendant of Raghailligh,” a personal name meaning “valiant.” The name is most commonly found in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Notable bearers include actress Bridget Riley, football player Riley Ridley, and jazz musician Riley B. King, also known as B.B. King. Today, the name continues to be passed down through generations and is often associated with traits such as bravery and strength.
