REILLY
Reilly
Reilly, sometimes spelled as O'Reilly, is a prominent Irish surname that has ancient origins and a rich history. The name is derived from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Raghallaigh," meaning "descendant of Raghallach." The Reilly surname is most commonly found in the counties of Cavan and Longford in Ireland, with the variants of the name such as O'Reilly or Riley also prevalent.
The Reilly clan was historically associated with the Kingdom of Breifne in present-day County Cavan and were known for their prominence as chieftains and warriors. The O'Reillys played a significant role in Irish history, particularly during the times of the Gaelic kingdoms and the struggles against English rule.
In more recent times, many individuals with the surname Reilly have emigrated from Ireland to countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. As a result, the Reilly name has spread globally, and individuals with this surname can be found in various parts of the world.
The Reilly surname has also been notable in various fields, including politics, literature, sports, and entertainment. Notable individuals with the Reilly surname include the American actor John C. Reilly and the Australian professional golfer Geoff Ogilvy.
Overall, the Reilly surname holds an important place in Irish history and genealogy, embodying a legacy of resilience, strength, and cultural heritage that continues to be celebrated by those who bear the name today.
There are approximately 18,758 people named Reilly in the UK. That makes it the 463rd most common surname in Britain. Around 288 in a million people in Britain are named Reilly.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Angela
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Jacqueline
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Railey
- Railie
- Railley
- Raillie
- Railly
- Raily
- Raley
- Ralley
- Ralli
- Rally
- Raly
- Ralys
- Realey
- Reali
- Realis
- Reall
- Really
- Realy
- Reeley
- Reelly
- Reely
- Rehill
- Reighley
- Reighly
- Reihl
- Reil
- Reiley
- Reilie
- Reill
- Reille
- Reilley
- Reily
- Relay
- Reley
- Relia
- Relis
- Rell
- Relle
- Relley
- Rellie
- Rellis
- Relly
- Rely
- Relyea
- Reyley
- Reyly
- Riehl
- Rieley
- Riell
- Riella
- Rielley
- Riello
- Rielly
- Riely
- Riley
- Rill
- Rilley
- Rily
- Rolley
- Rowley
- Ryley
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.