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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

What do we think of Riley?

54 replies

LouLikesLollies · 29/01/2021 14:38

Have loved this name for a long time but aware it’s become quite common! I don’t know the sex yet so considering this for a boy or girl. Would appreciate any honest advice!

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BakewellGin1 · 01/02/2021 18:18

I'm going against the grain... I know two boy Riley's...
Oldest is Year 7 (so a 2008/9 birth).
Lovely boy, excellent manners, top of the class and friendly
Youngest is approx a 2011/12 birth
Another lovely, good natured little boy

I also know a girl Riley who is approx a 2002 birthday. Lovely girl.

Equally I know a George, Austin, Charlotte and Georgia who are absolute nightmares ha ha

LadyCatStark · 01/02/2021 18:18

In America or Australia Riley= Surfery boy/ girl with naturally bleached blonde wavy surf hair.

In England Riley= naughty boy at school. In my local accent it would be said Rahlehhhh too which makes it 100 times worse.

I absolutely love it but I couldn’t use it in this country 🙈.

SnottyLottie · 01/02/2021 18:06

Not my style (im not a fan of surname names although it’s not the worst); a bit dated (a firm noughties style name) and I’ve known a lot of naughty Rileys.

YoniAndGuy · 01/02/2021 18:03

Pretty grim for girl or boy really. Definitely downmarket. Agressive on a boy, harsh on a girl.

WagnerTheWehrWolf · 01/02/2021 17:35

Is 'naughty' a way of being classist without actually saying it? So coy.

The name Riley wouldn't be to my taste but I know a 7 year old girl with this name and she's lovely, so I just associate it with her.

Sheleg · 01/02/2021 17:31

Lovely for a girl, awful for a boy.

MercyBodle · 01/02/2021 05:40

I don't like it for either boy or girl.

DramaAlpaca · 30/01/2021 04:53

Yawn. Just another Irish surname being adopted as a first name. Just why?

It's a perfectly fine surname, but as a first name for either sex it's very sorry downmarket to me.

AnnaMagdalena · 29/01/2021 20:52

OP, as you have asked... it's a terrible name for boys and girls alike. In the same bracket as Jayden, Cayden, Taylor, etc.

MumofSpud · 29/01/2021 20:50

Sorry in the last 2 secondary schools I have worked in they are v v naughty - not just cheeky, as is Riley's friends Tylers / Masons / Jaidens, the Charlies can still be cheeky though!

Pemba · 29/01/2021 20:15

I agree that it's very downmarket. Even worse for a girl.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 29/01/2021 20:06

I personally feel it's boys only. I think it's fairly well used for boys in the US, but considered a bit downmarket here in the UK (similar vibe to Tyler, Jayden etc).

What about the similar "surnames as given names" Brody, Oakley or Willoughby? Not particularly my style but they feel less downmarket imo, in the same vein as popular Finley and Rafferty.

partyatthepalace · 29/01/2021 19:29

I think it’s downmarket for a boy or girl.

Nice for a dog though

partyatthepalace · 29/01/2021 19:27

It’s very down market (sorry!)

SionnachRua · 29/01/2021 19:23

Dog or Americans LARPing as Irish.

Firebird83 · 29/01/2021 19:15

Definitely in the same category as Jayden, Tyler, Harley etc.

abc31 · 29/01/2021 19:00

Apologies, it's in the same rather downmarket category as Jayden, Jaxon, Kayleigh, Chantelle etc for me.

rc22 · 29/01/2021 18:52

I teach a Riley. He's a sweet little boy and not naughty at all. I can't say I'm particularly keen on the name though.

Gemma2019 · 29/01/2021 17:56

I was just coming on to say that the two Rileys I have known have been awful and so naughty but about 100 people beat me to it!

Why is that though?!

Original poster
LouLikesLollies · 29/01/2021 17:44

Thanks for all the feedback! So it’s good for a girl but I’m asking for trouble if I name a boy that! Or just keep it for the dog 😂

OP posts:
kindlekeeper · 29/01/2021 17:31

I know two dogs called Riley

TreacleHart · 29/01/2021 17:28

Someone else who thinks a dogs name.

HollyBen · 29/01/2021 17:26

I like it. It isn't common where I live in Sotland

EggyPegg · 29/01/2021 17:25

@ILoveAnOwl

I work at a school specifically for 'naughty boys'. We have a lot of Rileys. And Rylees, Righleighs, Ryleighs etc etc!
I know a Rylee. Please don't tell me there's more than one out there. And yep, every Riley/Rylee I've ever known has been horrendous, with parents to match. See also Jack, Tyler, and most Alfie's.

I do like it for a girl though.

MyDcAreMarvel · 29/01/2021 17:23

That they were living their best life.