Reilley Name Meaning, Facts & Family History

The surname Reilley is of Irish origin and has multiple variations in spelling, such as Riley, Reilly, or O'Reilly.
The name derives from Gaelic origins, with "Ó Raghallaigh" being the original spelling. Ó Raghallaigh translates to "descendant of Raghallaigh," where Raghallaigh is a personal name meaning "valiant" or "courageous."
In terms of family history, the Reilley surname is associated with the O'Reilly clan, which was a prominent Irish clan that originated in County Cavan. The O'Reillys were known as powerful chieftains in medieval times and were associated with the Kingdom of Breifne.
Throughout history, the O'Reilly clan and its variations such as Reilley, Riley, or Reilly, have spread across different regions of Ireland and beyond. As a result, many individuals with the Reilley surname can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries with Irish diaspora.
It is important to note that specific family histories can vary depending on the branch of the family and individual circumstances. For a more comprehensive understanding of the Reilley family history, it is recommended to consult genealogical records and conduct further research into specific family lineages.

1. The surname Reilley is of Irish origin.
2. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic surname Ó Raghailligh, which means "descendant of Raghailligh."
3. The name Raghailligh is believed to come from the word "raghailleach," which means "valiant" or "brave."
4. The Reilley surname is commonly found in counties Cavan, Leitrim, and Longford in Ireland.
5. The name Reilley has various spelling variations, including Riley, O'Reilly, O'Reilley, and O'Reillye.
6. The Reilley family was an influential clan in medieval Ireland and held significant power in the province of Breifne.
7. Many Reilley families immigrated to the United States during the Irish diaspora in the 19th and 20th centuries.
8. Reilley is a relatively uncommon surname in comparison to other Irish surnames like Murphy or Gallagher.
9. Famous individuals with the surname Reilley include actors John C. Reilly and Leo Reilly.
10. The Reilley surname is often associated with qualities such as bravery, strength, and leadership.

1. John C. Reilly - American actor and comedian known for his roles in movies such as "Boogie Nights," "Magnolia," and "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby."
2. Charles Nelson Reilly - American actor, comedian, director, and drama teacher best known for his performances on Broadway and as a regular panelist on the game show "Match Game."
3. Mike Reilly - Canadian professional ice hockey player, currently a defenseman for the Ottawa Senators in the National Hockey League (NHL).
4. Tara Reilly - Canadian singer-songwriter and frontwoman of the rock band "Tara Reilly Band," known for her powerful vocals and energetic performances.
5. Allison Reilly - American reality TV personality known for her appearance on the reality dating show "Love Island" in 2019.
6. Scott Reilly - Australian cricketer who represented the Victoria cricket team and the Australian national team in the 1970s and 1980s.
7. Kate Reilley - American entrepreneur and co-founder of the women's clothing brand "Everlane," known for its transparent pricing and sustainable manufacturing practices.
8. Caitlin Reilly - American actress, comedian, and content creator, known for her popular viral videos on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
9. Kieran Reilly - Irish artist known for his landscape paintings, particularly of scenes in Ireland and Italy.
10. Mark Reilly - British musician and frontman of the 1980s pop band "Wang Chung," best known for their hit songs "Dance Hall Days" and "Everybody Have Fun Tonight."