Names / Riley
Is Riley a first name or a last name?
Riley is both: a family name in some places and a given name in others. It is mostly a family name in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
How to address someone called Riley
- United States. Riley is used both ways: about 133,872 people had it as a surname in the 2010 census, and 186,390 babies born between 1950 and 2017 were given it as a first name. Look at where it sits in the name and how the person signs.
- United Kingdom. Riley is a family name, usually written last. Write Dear Mr. Riley or Dear Ms. Riley.
- Canada. Riley is used both ways: 44% of people from Canada with this name in our data carry it as a family name. Look at where it sits in the name and how the person signs.
- Australia. Riley is used both ways: 67% of people from Australia with this name in our data carry it as a family name. Look at where it sits in the name and how the person signs.
Not sure which part of a full name is which? Check the full name with the country where the person is based.
Riley by country
People recorded in Wikidata who carry Riley as a family name or as a given name, by country of citizenship (722 in total).
| Country | As family name | As given name | Family name share |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 261 | 156 | 63% |
| United Kingdom | 116 | 8 | 94% |
| Canada | 32 | 40 | 44% |
| Australia | 34 | 17 | 67% |
| New Zealand | 18 | 3 | 86% |
| Jamaica | 5 | 0 | 100% |
| Panama | 2 | 1 | 67% |
| South Africa | 2 | 1 | 67% |
| France | 2 | 1 | 67% |
Wikidata covers notable people, so counts show how the name is used, not how many people carry it.
Riley in the United States
- As a surname: about 133,872 people in the 2010 census, rank 217 among US surnames.
- As a first name: 186,390 babies born between 1950 and 2017, 54% of them girls.
Riley as a given name: men or women?
About 24% of people with Riley as a given name in Wikidata are women, and 54% of US babies given the name. This describes the name, not any one person: it is not a safe basis for Mr. or Ms., and the full name without a title is always polite.
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